Hi everyone!

My name is Karen Spicer.  I am a neonatal intensive care nurse who works
in a level III nursery in Philadelphia, PA.  And I  am a mom currently
nursing a happy healthy 8 month old.  I am hoping to become a Lactation
Consultant, which is why I originally subscribed to the list.  I have
huge gaps in knowledge when it comes to counseling nursing moms.  They
don't teach you anything in nursing school about lactation except that
it is one choice when it comes to feeding babies.  Our unit does
recommend to moms that expressed breast milk is best for preemies.  When
it comes to putting them to breast, we (staff nurses) seem more often
than not to fail. We do have Lactation Consultants on staff,  but they
are stretched so thin and orientees on our unit do not get much
orientation to assisting breast feeding moms.  I am really learning a
lot by reading the posts every day.  I do believe that nursing education
and staff education needs to change to incorporate more breast feeding
experiences and knowledge.

Also, on a more personal note (I hope that is okay).  When I  was
pregnant, I needed to take Prozac from about the fourth month on.  When
I got closer to delivering I needed to make the decision whether or not
to breast feed.  My psychiatrist said no adamantly without doing any
research.  My OB said no again without doing any research.  And my
pediatrician said no and told my to talk to one of the neonatologists at
work for further information.  I should have known then to find a
different pediatrician, but he came highly recommended, so I stuck with
him.  I decided to do a little research myself and really didn't find
anything conclusive to not breast feed, except that "little info is
available".  I weighed this info with what I knew about breast milk and
decided to give it a go anyway.  My son is fine.  No ill effects noted.
(My pediatrician was aware of my informed choice, but again stated "so
many moms feel undue pressure to breast feed.  Formula is a great
alternative!  Don't make your decision solely on the fact that breast
feeding is best.")  I say this because I am beginning to realize that
(sadly to say) my pediatrician is not the one to discuss breast feeding
issues with.  I am finding this with a lot of my friends doctors as
well.  I tell them to call a Lactation Consultant with breast feeding
questions.  One last note - my son became constipated every time we
started solids.  Instead of recommending holding off on starting solids,
he recommended mineral oil twice a day.  Where are the pediatricians who
are "breast feeding friendly" in South Jersey.  I need to find one.

Sorry, I was so long winded.  As my knowledge of breast feeding expands
(and boy, is there a lot to learn)  my whole attitude toward breast
feeding has changed.  All of your knowledge and experience is helping in
that regards.  Any suggestions in preparing to become a Lactation
Consultant would be greatly appreciated.  (I'm also getting great
suggestion from Lactation Consultants at work).  I would feel very
honored  and privileged to be a part of this profession!

Karen Spicer RNC BSN
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