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Subject:
From:
Cindi Swisher <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 26 Jan 2003 21:23:54 -0700
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We don't use slings -- how would that work as far as security goes?  We have
a rule that babies can't be in arms in the hallways, they have to be
transported in a cot.  If we see an adult with a baby in arms we stop them
and inquire.  So I wonder how that would work with slings.  I guess just
slings in rooms?

Regarding how dad can bond --- When a dad is in the hospital room with mom
and I am working on latch with her, I encourage the dad to come and watch
what I do so that he can help when I'm not there.  I specifically tell both
of them that dad helping -- supervising, so to speak -- is a way he can be
part of the feeding.  I show him how to help support the baby, talk about
massaging mother's shoulders, making sure she has water or something to
drink, etc.  I work with them both on assessing a latch.  Emphasize to mom
that she needs to give feedback to dad and ask for help if it starts to
pinch.  I tell dad how important he is to having breastfeeding go well.

Not all dads are comfortable with helping mom and not all moms want dad
*supervising*, so not everyone gets that pep talk, but for those that do, a
light bulb seems to go off over their heads and they are very enthusiastic
about it being a team effort to feed baby.

Sometimes I even go so far as to give them possible ways that they can
respond in a positive way to anyone sympathizing with them over the fact
that since their wife is breastfeeding they can't feed the baby.

I really feel strongly that all of child rearing should be a team effort and
if both parents are there they should both be involved in all aspects.
Sometimes it drives me crazy when people are in awe that my husband does so
much for his kids, but in reality he does his share and only in comparison
to many other dads is he a paragon.

Regards,
Cindi


> I really like Carole's idea of encouraging parents to just "be together"
> with the baby.  It needs to be said.  Napping together!
>
> That said, I have been considering two ways to hopefully take the pressure
> off moms to pump so dads can feed the baby (grrr).  I thought of (1)
> teaching the fathers infant massage, and (2) teaching them sling
> use.  (The
> hospital where I work has just gotten some slings for in-house use by new
> parents.  I think in order to do either of these I'd have to grab them
> while they're in the hospital for the birth -- I doubt I can get them back
> in the door later.)
>
> Has anyone tried these or similar tactics?
>
> Elise

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