Agreed, there is no answer for every mom/baby and yes, "normal birth" would
help A LOT. However, having a policy that ALLOWS alternative feeding is a
positive step to try to avoid bottles as the only way to feed a
non-breastfeeding baby. Nursing judgment should be the deciding factor
regarding the method of choice (Lactation judgment if on duty at time, or
have plan of care on chart for when to initiate which feeding method)Our
hospital policy only allows eight hours after birth before feeding MUST
occur, so a 24 hour policy gives lots more time for baby to wake up, etc.
This is really a HUGE subject really, because you can also get into "what
amt constitutes a feeding?" and who makes this decision? THe method of
alt feeding depends on many factors, and experience helps us to assess the
root cause of the problem, the mother's ability to carry out alternative
feeding at home, and follow-up is definitely necessary to try to get baby to
breast ASAP, but short LC staffing is usually a problem there. Outpt LC's
can be a great resource for referral if hospitals cannot handle, and should
be utilized by giving source to mom and to LC so that a connection can be
made in a timely manner.
My greatest hope is that the issue of birth medications will be addressed
and scientifically studied by both childbirth educators and LC', in the same
forum, and I believe that a movement is underway. More info on that topic
would be appreciated, and I would love to be included on the committee.
Sincerely,
Patricia Ellis, RN, MA, IBCLC
Central NJ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jennifer Tow" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, June 16, 2001 8:12 PM
Subject: Re: Sleepy Babies and protocols
> "What policies/protocols do other hospitals have in
> place for babies who are not feeding 24 hours after birth. Do you
> supplement via cup, fingerfeeding or bottle after 24 hours. Is it
decided
> on a case to case basis based on a medical assessment of the infant?"
>
> From one hospital in my community, most of the moms I see go home
finger-feeding their babies AIM. While I think the way to deal with sleepy
babies is to avoid them through normal birth, I do understand your dilemna.
What I want to urge against is a one-size-fits-all protocol like the one I
describe. There is usually no follow-up and mothers have no idea how or when
to stop supplements (not that most ever needed them in the first place).
> Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA
>
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