There is a common thread emerging in alot of the posts lately. re: guilt in moms, lack of support from staff and "LCs care too much" or more than moms.  We do care too much - that's a good thing.  If we didn't - change would not occur.  Change is being made.  It's never fast enough for us though.  
A nursing staff that is not breastfeeding educated is a hindrance - The knowledge base is low and they do not have the tools they need to educate or support breastfeeding initiation and maintenance.  Their lack of knowlege and confidence in this area is transferred to women who are breastfeeding.  The guilt of failure comes from wrong information, lack of support and innappropriate hospital practices that are imposed on them.  Maybe the staff is aware of their own inadequacies or maybe not - or maybe it's not the staff at all - but the system...  Regardless, moms have no way to go but down, unless they have a doula,  outside support system, are self-motivated, have read or attended classes.  
As professionals we should be responding differently to accusations re: the "guilt we have imposed"    We should be questioning innappropriate treatment of the breastfeeding dyad.  Approach staff whose interventions are incorrect and assist them in learning.  I know it sounds easier than it is. I know this.  I am in a hospital setting.  In the last two years our nursing staff has had 16 hours of bf education - there is a big difference.  Moms returning have commented that everyone is saying the same thing now, doing assessments on every shift and supporting the bf process.  Some nurses have asked to go around with me to do assessment, talk with parents etc.. 
I am a watchdog - but thats ok/   I'm not mean to anyone, but the staff knows what my expectations are.
This took administrative buy-in.  Someone has to lead and stick their neck out.  We are all tired of adult professionals whining about moms who feel guilty and ironically pointing the finger at us.  What is that about?  Enough is enough. Do we talk to moms who feel guilty and help them to process what exactly happened here - so they can move on.(and us too)  Who does "anything" for that mom who "is feeling guilty". Does she become untouchable and unresolved.  Shame on all of us if she does.
Maybe we should approach guilt like we do sore nipples and have treatment pages or algo./  It is pretty common..  Interesting..
Maybe we all need some communication/ assertiveness training. We are board certified and specialists in our field.  We can't force people to change or breastfeed if they don't want to do it./ but we should all be prepared to support and protect the ones who do.  I would like to hear more discussion on this. 
Sue Majoris - Indiana Regional Medical Center

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