About my recent hospital experience...
First,  I could have gone for 24 hours without anyone visually assessing the
baby latch on (except the very first time immediately after birth).  I'm not
sure if this is normal procedure in the hospital, or if they assumed that I
knew what I was doing because they knew I was a breastfeeding educator for
the health department .  The nurses would ask a generic question like "how's
the baby feeding?"  - how is a novice mom supposed to know?  *I* knew, but
I've been in the field for several years.

When I was concerned about her latch, and asked for help, I was able to talk
to the lactation consultant right away (this hospital has a great lactation
service), however, in addition to the advice I received from the LC, I also
received advice from the nurse,
pediatrician and midwife.  Of course, they all had different advice!

I said several times during my hospital stay - now I know why women quit
breastfeeding in first few days/weeks.  It's not easy!  And when the experts
can't agree on how to do it .....

One of the best things available postpartum for women who deliver at this
hospital is a free drop in breastfeeding clinic.  Moms can drop in any time
during the first few weeks postpartum without an appointment for help with
sore nipples, engorgement, latching on, etc.  The service was great!  And
*many* people made sure I had the information about the clinic before I left
the hospital.

I agree that moms need just the basic info in the hospital and then
information on where to get more help when and if they need it.

Debi VanderMey Barr, MS, RD, LD
Portland, Oregon
(who kept people from stealing my baby who was rooming in by sleeping with
her in the same bed!  Her in my bed, not me in the bassinet ;D)