We have been tracking how many breastfeeding babies are getting a formula
feeding (for any reason) during their stay on our mother-baby unit. I found
it was 50% for last month. I was not surprised that it was this high. I was
very disappointed with a little outrage thrown in. We would like to know if
other units have looked at this & what was found. Is there a goal that would
be "acceptable" considering that some will need it for hypoglycemia, some
moms are tired & want to sleep, some women (& 2 pediatricians) insist on
formula feeds until the milk comes in, some moms think the baby is not
getting enough, etc, etc. I personally think that it should be less than 5%,
but am I being unrealistic? One of our assistant nurse managers is very
willing to work on reducing this rate. If we had some information or
statistics from other hospitals, it may help us in our quest. We do plan to
send nursing staff thru classes. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Laura Hart
Winter Park, FL

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