At the excellent ABM conference in Chicago in Oct. 2003, Paula Meier discussed a study done by one of the Rush-Presbyterian Medical Center nurses seeking her Ph.D. The syllabus (and my notes) don't accurately remind me if this study is completed, but the findings are illuminating. The query: do moms who had no original intention to BF feel "guilty" if they are approached by the NICU staff to discuss the important of breastmilk for their babies? The Rush Medical Center data shows that population groups most likely to have a NICU baby (low income, African American, young) are also the same groups least likely to BF. 40% of the mothers of VLBW babies had not intended (during pregnancy) to BF. After birth, this group was approached by staff (MD, RN or IBCLC), to explain the importance of providing mother’s own milk in the care of these tiny babies. 100% of the “approached moms” said that learning their milk was superior caused them to *change their minds* about BF. All denied feeling “coerced,” and 100% felt rewarded by their decision to provide milk for their babies! Being approached did not induce “guilt” in the moms at Rush. Indeed, the mothers could recall even months later the exact discussion they had with the doctor, nurse or LC. Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC Wyndmoor, PA, USA _________________________________________________________________ Tired of slow downloads and busy signals? Get a high-speed Internet connection! Comparison-shop your local high-speed providers here. https://broadband.msn.com *********************************************** 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