Debbie:  When I created a hospital-based program, I made it a point to
introduce myself to the nurse managers of all the hospital units, including
the ER and ICUs.  It's surprising how many mothers end up in one of these
areas.  I explained my purpose and asked that the staff call Lactation any
time they admitted a breastfeeding mother OR baby.  Sometimes the nurse
will say "we have a mom/baby but she says she's fine and doesn't need any
help"  I still drop by to say hello - many times the mother has delivered
at another hospital and this is one way of PRing your hospital for possible
future babies this mom may have.  If a mom needs a pump set-up, I also
invite the nurse in so that she can learn how to set-up/instruct the mom on
pump usage.  Most of the staff seem more interested than the OB staff in
learning about/teaching breastfeeding.  I also see the mom every day until
she is discharged and then make sure she has Lactation phone #s for any
follow-up she might need.  The docs also love this service!  Probably my
most interesting experience with other units was when I got interrupted
several times during lunch (one of the few times I made it down to the
cafeteria with co-workers) by one of our general surgeons who was doing a
breast biopsy on a nursing mom in the OR with questions on how extensive he
could safely do the biopsy and his last question which was is Demerol safe
for pain control afterwards!  My co-workers were impressed that a surgeon
would solicite advice from a lowly nurse!
Hope this helps.

Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL USA

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