I had an interview with a couple yesterday who will be bringing their
newborn to me (once he is born) for well-baby care. We offer all new
patients in our practice a free consult just for questions, if they like, so
this couple came to feel me out ahead of time. They asked good questions on
breastfeeding, especially, and wanted to know what I would be doing to
support them. It was quite pleasant to have such good questions ahead of
time, since I seem to spend so much time trying to talk reluctant folks into
breastfeeding. Unfortunately, they are not delivering at my hospital, and
are delivering at another local hospital. I've had a number of patients
referred to me after delivering there who've been given spectacularly bad
advice.
Today, I saw a 4 day old that I had to put under bili lights who was
discharged from the same hospital. Mom was sent home with a nipple shield
(and no instructions on use, other than "put this over your nipple") for
sore nipples. Her milk had not come in yet, baby was latching incorrectly
and mom was incredibly frustrated and had used formula all night. Bili was
21, baby was fortunately very active and eager at the breast. I helped her
with positioning, gave her some info on sore nipples, told her to throw out
the nipple shield. Milk came in over night, and baby seemed impressed with
this! Baby is now at home on bili blanket, and hopefully nursing better.
Currently, when a mom interviews me prior to delivery, I have been handing
out Motherwear's Breastfeeding Guide, which is a 30 page document that you
can download from the internet. It has good info, and was free, except for
copying costs. It also has a number of beautiful pictures of moms nursing
their babies.
Does anyone have anything inexpensive that may be a better thing to hand
out? Or maybe something in addition? I am currently employed by the
practice I work for, and don't have a budget for patient education, but
wouldn't mind paying a small amount for something. I'd ideally like to have
something that promotes breastfeeding, and gives parents some guidelines for
how to advocate for their breastfed newborn. I don't worry about my own OB
patients (because they have me to advocate for them!) but have recently seen
a bunch of patients a few days or weeks down the road who are having all
sorts of problems generated by bad advice. At least for those moms who
interview me ahead of time, I'd like to have something good to give them.
Jennifer Tieman
Family Physician
Mom to 3, and new baby #4 expected 5/31/03
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