Molly, I work at a Lactation Center in Longview, Texas. We have a consent form/release to give any type of articfical teat or nipple to a breastfeeding infant. This includes formula bottles and pacifiers. The consent practice is encouraged by the "Baby Friendly Texas Ten-step" Program. The form outlines briefly for the parent(s) that artificial nipples and feeds can sabotoge their breastfeeding in the early weeks. It explains that if there is a medical need to supplement the newborn, that the staff would be glad to demonstrate syringe, cup or finger feeds to the family. It also informs the parents that they should speak with a Lactation Consultant about feeding concerns before supplementing or offering pacifiers. It tells mom that this is her decision, and that this information is provided to allow her to make informed choices about feeding her baby. She is asked to sign before bottles/nipples are provided. Our hospital has made the decision that we do not supply pacifiers to any of our regular nsy infants. As breastfeeding / infant advocates, we should never do less that provide the mother with all the information she needs to make healthcare choices. The liability may come if your hospital says there will be consent, and the staff feeds infant formula without the consent on the chart. This requires staff "buy-in", which must be packaged in a very positive way to "sell" the idea. Best of Luck, Paula Hiett RNC, IBCLC Longview, Texas *********************************************** 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(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html