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Date: | Sat, 13 Nov 2004 09:33:14 -0600 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
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This is a very common problem and I believe exists here in the USA because
many moms don't really buy into breastfeeding. Many moms are looking at what
is best for themselves, rather than what is best for baby. We live in a very
"me" centered culture plus a lot of advertising that the new formulas are
the same as breast milk. Moms know the benefits of breast milk so why don't
they nurse more? I am now trying to sell breastfeeding to moms aimed more at
why it is best for mom (example: less colic, I stress how when baby cries
less this is easier for mom).
Ok, having said that as a consumer of pediatric services here are a few
suggestions for you to consider. I would love to see breastfeeding friendly
posters in my pedi's general waiting room and in the individual exam rooms.
I would love to see support group information posted on the walls and handed
out to moms. Trying to encourage moms to attend LLL, for example, can help
prolong their nursing. Give a handout with these resources printed on it,
doesn't have to be anything fancy or long. Individually hand them to nursing
patients as well as having them available in the waiting room or at the
check out desk. LLL Groups usually have some kind of written meeting notice
that they would love to share with any physician.
If you don't have such support groups in your area, it would be nice to have
your office start one. Get someone to lead it who understands the more
natural approach to mothering so she can gently combat society's pressures.
I would love to see signs up in the waiting room and exam rooms that say it
is ok to nurse your baby there in your office. I once went to a pedi who set
aside a separate BF waiting room, but it was full of formula samples. PLUS,
I felt this was a message of ostracizing those nursing moms away from the
bottle moms when they should be in the same room as a healthy example of
infant feeding. (As a WIC L.C., I often hear moms telling me they need a
pump or formula for when they go to the doctor's office! They feel they
can't nurse at the doctor's office -- which is very odd considering this is
a health issue.)
If you live in the state of Texas, the health dept. has a nice selection of
BF posters on the benefits of breastfeeding.
Thanks for caring so much about your patients.
Kathy Eng, BSW, IBCLC
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