> <<Wording can be very important in subtle messages that we send.>>
I agree!  What we say and what moms hear and what moms feel is very
important.  I don't use the words nipple confused or preference with moms. I
use them with my peers to mostly argue the case that we have to be careful
that we don't discourage the mother whose baby has had a bottle in the
hospital or by daddy or grandma as feeling that now there is no hope that the
baby will ever take her breast.

I choose to use positive words with the mother to give her hope and build her
confidence.  I talk to moms about how to bring the baby to the breast and how
to create an envirnoment at the breast where baby just wants to breastfeed.
I tell moms all baby's enjoy and like breastfeeding over bottlefeeding.
Correct positioning can help babies latch easier and get milk faster and more
abundantly.

Labeling makes the problem sound so final and unfixable.  Most newborn
behaviors are changing quickly from day to day.  And, with gentleness,
patience, respect and a mother who believes that she can breastfeed her
child, they can learn to breastfeed.  And, remember Coach Smith's first
rule.........feed the baby.  Babies will learn much faster when they are not
starved.

Warm regards,
Pat Lindsey, IBCLC - Lactation Services  www.PatLC.com
Pediatrics Plus' Lactation Consultant   www.pedsplus.com
Orlando, FL
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