I am in a hospital situation with 6 other LCs. We see about half of all
breastfeeding patients (those having trouble, dr's orders, pt's requests,
etc.)
We have 7000 births a year. We have an 80% breastfeeding initiation rate. We
also have a daily class for all parents to attend if they wish.
My problem is what we're teaching. We do basic positioning, latch, holds,
frequency, duration, engorgement, sore nipples, diet, how to tell if baby
gets enough,etc.
Some of my colleagues are convinced that babies' chins have to be pulled
down to obtain a wide gape and they are teaching it in class. They refer to
the Breastfeeding Answer Book as their resource. I , also, sometimes see
the need for basic chin support for certain cases and show that to parents
on a one-to-one basis. But I push for the asymmetrical latch, with chin in,
catching the lower lip as baby is rolled into the breast. And my problem is
that I am seeing more and more breast aversion by babies whose mothers
attended the class taught by one of my colleagues. These parents are yanking
on the chin to the point where there is redness and sometimes bruising. I've
mentioned this phenomenon to them and have been criticized. I know my
colleagues are good people who really want to help the mothers , but this is
beginning to affect my work and the feelings I have for work.
So my question is, what is going on out there? Are we all pulling down
chins? If so, is there a kinder, gentler approach to show parents? Also
should this be taught in a class or on a one-to-one basis?
Frustrated and voted down,
Cheryl Muller RNC IBCLC
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