Nancy asks what we would have said...mom with severe diarrhea who asks about supplementing her baby who is thriving on exclusive nursing. Nancy provided mom with information on risks of artificial feeding as well as providing advice on nursing. 

I would have said exactly what you said. You were ethical and respected her right to receive accurate, evidence based information in order to make a decision. You fulfilled the ethical obligation to facilitate informed decision making.


It seems that you took into account her history and you were aware of the plans that she had made for her child when she was less vulnerable due to illness. You probably also realized that she was very exhausted that day and that others were most likely telling her that breastfeeding was making things more difficult for her. It appears that you acknowledged that this was a false belief stemming from a non breastfeeding culture. You seemed to also realize that soon this mom would be healthy again and might very well regret supplementing her child. 

According to what you wrote you listened to the mother, looked at her in a holistic manner and gave her practical advice based on her individual needs. 

You asked what we would do. I would have done exactly what you did!! 

Keren Epstein-Gilboa MEd, BScN, RN, LCCE,IBCLC 

PhD(Candidate) 

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