In a message dated 10/10/2005 11:56:34 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Cheryl Muller RNC IBCLC writes: Are we all pulling down chins? NO. Baby not only needs wide gape, but tongue needs to be out & under the breast. Opening the mouth does not guarantee the correct tongue position. If so, is there a kinder, gentler approach to show parents? Also should this be taught in a class or on a one-to-one basis? NOT IN CLASS & teach chin support only as needed. "These parents are yanking on the chin to the point where there is redness and sometimes bruising. I've mentioned this phenomenon to them and have been criticized." There is no reason for this! Poor babies! You cannot force a baby to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is a cooperative effort where mother does her part & baby does his. I think what they are doing shows a lack of practical experience. (are these certified consultants?) Babies latch on & nurse when they are ready. After many yrs of experience (reading and attending many conferences) I have learned that the best way to get a baby's mouth open is to WAIT. Gently tickle the lip with mom's nipple & wait! Encourage lots of skin-to-skin. Have your colleagues seen the short video "Self Attachment"--if not, purchase it now. It's not expensive & they will never force the breastfeeding again. Keep your spirits up Cheryl. You are doing a good job. You need to educate your colleagues as well as the new parents. Laura Hart Winter Park, FL *********************************************** 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