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Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 9 Jan 2000 11:53:45 -0600
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What an enriching thread!  Replying late on the scene gives me an unfair
advantage, after reading from the early concerns and responsibilities of
you hospital LCs, on to the perspective of what to *naturally* expect of a
mother who has just given birth.

Some of you early posters might feel that your ideas weren't as "profound"
as the later ones, but without your initial questions and observations, the
thread would never have begun its spinning and some great suggestions would
have gone un-shared.

I agree that there is nothing "wrong" with a new mother who doesn't grasp
the guidelines and whose "teachable moment" is illusive.  What I see is
that a mother who has just given birth shouldn't be in a strange,
threatening environment, but with familiar, loving family in a safe
setting, growing in confidence in herself. She shouldn't have to be
learning how to feed and care for her baby "from the ground up."  She
shouldn't have to be remembering measurements and minutes. She shouldn't
have to be learning Mothering from strangers who are having to follow
guidelines of their institutions.  She shouldn't have to feel the urgency
of time constraints on her learning opportunity. She shouldn't see herself
as inadequate because she can't remember all of the instructions.

BUT... That's where she is.  That's what is going on.  And that's Who is
doing
all that they can to prevent disasters with her and her baby. Everything is
hurried, scheduled, and urgent.

From the time that she enters the hospital to have her baby till she
leaves, almost everything that happens is counter to what "should" be
happening at this precious time in her life. And you heros who do take the
time to listen, encourage, custom your teaching, and care soooooo much,
bring a touch of humanity to a setting that has no time for persons.

It is encouraging to read the about the creative ways you have designed in
order to overcome this disordered situation. And when I (private practice)
work with my clients and hear what the hospital LC said or did, and what
one nurse said or did I smile and feel hopeful that we can, in time,
re-humanize the birth experience in our technological world.

Those of you who work in hospitals are like the princess who was ordered to
spin straw into gold, and many of you are doing just that.  And some of you
are probably having to sell your first-born children (ie your Selves) to
get it done. (For those of you who don't recognize this reference, it is
from Rumplestilskin, an old fairy tale.)

So, in your busy days, do whatever you can to honor this woman and this
birth, help her to as much self confidence as you can, listen to her fears
and concerns--and joys, encourage her to *see* her baby and to *touch* her
baby--

and help her to learn how to get the baby on, how to get the baby off, and
when to call for help.

Thanks for all of the sharing.

Pat Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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