In a message dated 9/17/99 1:21:10 PM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<  People have different skills, different interests,and
 different personal slants/issues when it comes to breastfeeding. >>

I think some of the frustration with NICUs comes from the fact that most
parents can't choose their neonatologist or nursing staff.  They are
dependent on people that they didn't choose, don't trust, and feel powerless
to influence.  I know how to diplomatically discuss issues with my
pediatrician and OB, and have been very successful in establishing
relationships of mutual respect.  But my only experience with NICU was when
my friend's baby was in last year and it was unnerving (to say the least).  I
would love to hear suggestions from NICU folks about how to communicate with
staff members who are not baby friendly.  It seemed that no matter what we
said or did the staff refused to believe that we shared the common goal of
doing what was best for the baby (they really thought my friend was just
trying to gratify her own emotional needs - at the expense of her baby - by
bf).  Nancy, are you available for long distance consults - and how can
parents insist on one?  How can parents get "permission" to kangaroo their
babies when the staff has never heard of the concept?

Elaine Ziska
Jackson, MS

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