I have finally, after many years and turned down proposals, been invited to
do some limited work with breastfeeding moms at the hospital where I teach.
They would like to start slowly, with a one-hour "koffee klatch" kind of
group get together for moms on the floor 3 days a week. So good so far!

In preparation, I expressed my desire that some breastfeeding policies be
agreed upon, because I have already experienced backlash from my
recommendations from time to time, and I don't want to go in and cause
unnecessary waves. Administration has responded by asking me to submit my
suggestions for policies-- whoa, okay!  I need some help fast, I need to
bring this in by Friday, 12/11. I will be searching the archives, but as I
recall most of this networking has been done by private email since policies
are usually too long to post. For those who have this easily available, I
would be extremely grateful for anything you can share with me. They are
also interested in BFHI stuff.

I was asked about how I felt about nipple shields, which led to a discussion
of tools and my decision process of when and how to intervene. I said, "that
is down the list a ways", and now they would like to see my "list". I can do
this from scratch, but if some of you already have something in print on
this type of decision tree, I'd love to review your work, too.

They are also interested in a simple self-assessment of latch/bfg tool for
new moms, and a short assessment for me or the nurses to do simultaneously.
Any favorite tools?

Thank you to any and all who have time to respond-- private email would be
great so as not to overwhelm the list.    [log in to unmask]

Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC