Barbara mention in her recent post about visits from Home Health Care Nurses.
 I have a recent incident I would like to share.

Last week I received a LLL call from a mom.  She had just had a visit form a
Home Health Care nurse 2 days pp.  This woman told her that colostrum was not
sufficient for a baby and since her milk was not in yet  the baby was
dehydrating.  She went on to tell the mom to breastfeed every 3 hours and
then to offer 1 ounce of formula by syringe after each feed!  Mom was very
confused and worried.  According to mom the baby was having enough wet
diapers and stools, was sucking and swallowing and seemed to be doing fine. I
spent a LONG time on the phone reasuring mom and explaining how breastfeeding
works, told her to keep an eye on wet diapers and stools and if in doubt to
put baby in cloth diapers, and to call me at any time if the situation
changed.  She was still worried but agreed to try.  I called her back the
next afternoon, her milk had come in and baby was nursing like a champ.

I'm not saying all Home Health Care nurses are not capable.  I had several
visits by one in Maine for my second child who was 3 weeks early and small
and she was very well informed.  I wish there was some way to assure that
moms are getting the kind of help they deserve.  Where did this one ever get
that information?

Diane Karnbach, LLLL