I'm sure this is nothing new to the RNs on our list but there are a few things I feel I must say as a non-RN IBCLC in support of the NICU staff. I have worked in several hospitals, one which had a 38 bed NICU. Anyone who does not have a nursing background may feel that some of the equipment and routines interfere with mother-baby bonding. But as it has been pointed out, this equipment may be necessary and life sustaining. I would suggest to anyone who has never been in a NICU or had a baby there and does not have a nursing background to get a good book on the experience and read up on the equipment and reasons for its use. There is a good one from NICU Ink titled : What every nicu parent needs to know" and the chapter on breastfeeding is excellent. (Written by an IBCLC, RN) The author's name escapes me, the book is at work, but even at Barnes and Noble or Borders or your public library, there are good books which explain most of this. I have learned LOTS just being there and have a totally different outlook from when I was a brand new IBCLC 13 years ago. Anyone can read and pass that test....practical, clinical experience is what gets you a job. Know your stuff about the other things impacting mothers and babies...postpartum hemorrhage, infections, and such. Said in an educational tone, Mary Kay Smith, IBCLC Romeoville IL near Chicago *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html