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 *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] 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