Moms who say they want to do breast and bottle are often trying to appease everyone. They say breast because they know it is better for baby, but they are also hedging towards bottles as "easier" and more socially acceptable. "Breastfeeding" can also mean pumping some and bottle feeding all feeds, both formula and human milk. So it is important to ask more questions to know what mom's goal really is. I might suggest hospital staff ask moms what method of feeding they want to use in the hospital? Emphasis on the words feeding method in the hospital. When it comes down to it, women who say breast and bottle or "both" are giving permission for staff to use formula. Having parents sign a permission form to give formula would make their intentions really clear but I don't think many hospitals in the USA do that! I work for WIC and we want staff to ask more questions to avoid problems later and to know how to address the counseling. When I am assessing moms, I ask moms what their feeding goal was during pregnancy? Breast or bottle? When they say both, I ask "what does that mean?" and let them explain. This opens up a discussion and lets you give the information that mom really needs rather than lecturing her or not addressing her needs. But getting staff to ask more questions and take more time in assessment is like climbing a huge mountain. It is easier just to skim the surface and ask one question than to take more time and really find out what mom is thinking or planning or willing to do or commit to. Kathy Eng, BSW, IBCLC *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html Mail all commands to [log in to unmask] To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or [log in to unmask]) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet or ([log in to unmask]) To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]