I must commend Dr. Nancy Wight and all of those on the San Diego
Breastfeeding Coalition for a stupendous conference the last three days!
Reflecting, I realize my goal to become a better practitioner has resulted
from the collective presentations, but I must thank Nikki Lee for provoking
my re-evaluation of the need for an oral, digital exam.
I remember being appauled 9years ago following a Lacatation Educator who
donned a glove, before she introduced herself to each new mother and baby.
She stuck her finger in the baby's mouth quickly and roughly 'to see what was
going on'.  I felt harrassed just being in the room, imagine the disregard
the baby must have felt.  As the years have passed, my assessments have
become more visual, but on that rare occassion, I have felt the need to do a
digital exam.  NO MORE!
In the past the baby that was having the most difficult time, was the one I
chose to evaluate this way, with the intrusion of my finger, no matter how
gentle or lovingly or with that 'positive intention' (I do think that makes a
difference).
I now regard this as an unwelcome intrusion and addition to further problems
that are already present.  This baby more than any other deserves more
reverence, patience time and understanding of what s/he  has been through. I
feel I have learned a great lesson and as all of us consider our 'orifices'
private and personal, I begin a new day with a newly enlightened approach I
felt I must share.  Thank you all.  Anne Williams

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