In defense of those telling mom's to wake the babies...  The babies I see in
the hospital I work in are 99% "intervention birth" babies.  We have
currently a 99% epidural rate.  So then add induction's with pitocin, vacuum
extractors, forceps, C/S births after labor...  These are "affected" babies
that aren't going to care if they eat or not for several days.  IF they don't
wake and offer the breast, and observe for feeding cues and offer breast when
seen, then the babies aren't going to get fed.  Many are waiting for the baby
to cry to be fed.  Many put pacifiers in their mouths just because it is part
of the gifts they got before baby was born, so they miss babies cues
altogether.
      I would much rather someone go home with instructions to wake and feed
on a loose type 2-3hrs or when feeding cues seen, than leave them with
instructions that the baby will eat when ready.  Unfortunately in our area
these babies wouldn't have a chance.  Now when a mom doesn't have
interventions, and has read, had classes, or just is informed about babies
and breastfeeding she is already way ahead.
       Our parents have to have guidelines.  We do give them a record sheet
with average number of feeds per day as well as average number of wets and
dirty diapers to expect.  This is worded with a range of numbers, not one set
number.
     Please no angry responses to this.  Everyone has to deal with the
population they are living with.  We are all fighting the same battles.


Evonne Davison RN,IBCLC
"Home- not where you go when you are tired of being nice to people."

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