I have to jump in on Laura Hart and too early pumping. Go girl....
Just this evening when we were transfering a family from a smaller private
room to a large suite I noted that as they were taking their "stuff" over, that
one of our classic pumps was headed that way also...I said "I am sorry but
that pump needs to stay on this side for Moms who have babies in NICU".  I was
told in no uncertain terms that they NEEDED IT! for their well baby....Mom had
no issues for it other than the desire to pump and breastfeed.  Their soon to
be ex nurse said they had insisted on this...I again reminded them that well
babies really shouldn't have to have expressed breastmilk unless they have a
specific need and baby was the best pump.  The family member who was escorting
our pump very hesitantly left it aside.  I told them that the Lactation
Consultant would be glad to visit them in the a.m...(they had already seen her and had
been to the Baby Care Class) but were still insistent on the pump. When
reassured if they truly needed a pump that the other side would have one available,
they grudgingly left the pump...mumbling all the way to the next wing..
This is a common scenerio on our unit...
When my daughter had her baby in January the first weekend my son-in-law
insisted she pump so that there would be a bottle for cousins to feed the baby
(cousins were 11 and 13) I just about had to stick my fist in my mouth...I told
my son-in-law that there would plenty of opportunities for them to feed the
baby in the future, but at 4 days of age Mommy was the only source now that it
the jaundice issue was a non issue (Cara had to be "supplemented" for 24 hrs due
to an elevated bili, bless this child she took one swallow of Advanced
formula and gagged it out...my daughter was so upset because she knew the group of
peds readmitted for jaundice very quickly, I suggested we use her pump and we
got 2oz each pumping and breastfed first and pc'd with EBM 1oz max for 24
hrs...it worked and baby wasn't readmitted.) Kevin felt we would be insulting his
family if the kids couldn't feed the baby...I really had to bite my
tongue...Kids might want to hold the baby, but if they know that Mom is the only source
of food then that's the rule, Grownups, well, they need to get over it..and be
happy the baby is breastfeeding so well...Fortunately my daughter had a crying
jag and took Cara into the bedroom and filled her up so she slept the whole
visit...I was so proud of my daughter.  Oh the Kids have fed her a few bottles
since then.
Yes it should be a law that all parents to be attend a class in infant
nutrition before they have the baby....My niece had a precipitious delivery  at home
in Winter Park and when she was taken to Winter Park Hospital they set her up
in a great room and let her breastfeed while she and baby were observed and
checked out. They were nutured and given time to bond without much traditional
interference...and they were so pleased...Sometimes we get it right and other
times well......we need to bite our fists to keep from going insane.
Kudos to the staff nurses who try and try and keep trying inspite of all
obstacles.
Leanne Jewell, RN,C LCCE, FACCE
SFL

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