Everything you suggest I explain, I do.  Most moms do get it, and the
weight checks are only reassurance or to confimr what is a serious
problem...not just a little behind in weight gain, but truly in
danger.  Four week old babies should not be below birth
weight...especially still almost 10% below.

How I explain it is very simple and I have borrowed many of the ideas
of others and other childbirth education ideas.  I explain how when a
baby is born he/she is pure mammal. No concept at all of culture,
expectations, schedules, clocks at all even.  A human baby is born 100
percent biology and only knows one thing...mother is the source ofall
life and all things that keep me safe come from her.  I must stay
there at all costs to surviive.  The best way to assure your baby that
all is well with the world is to welcome that precious time when you
should be resting and healing from birth anyway.  Make believe you
live a thousand years ago...put away your ideas of what it means
tocare for a baby and listen to your mother voice.  Hold your baby
skin to skin, trust yourself and your baby to be made to survive.
Once moms understand that the child needs more time to accomodate the
mother's idea of cultural and social expectations many are willing to
do what is necessary to meet the needs of the newborn.  I tell them to
put away the books unless they were written for breastfeeding mothers
by breastfeeding experts and save parenting styles for when they come
home from their six week follow up with ob/gyn.  I tell them until the
bleeding stops, they should rest when the baby rests.  I tease them
their feet should not hit the ground at night, so keep the baby close
enough to reach over and bring to breast, no walking across the room,
or across the hall. I spend well over an hour with clients and while
they are breastfeeding, I am educating and answering questions.  I
agree that mothers need to hear exactly what you say to tell them.
Because I am in private practice, I have plenty of time to do this.  I
think moms listen and are even relieved to know nothing is wrong with
the baby who wants to be held all the time and loves to nurse just for
the joy of mother.

Best,
Pam

PS  Thinking how lucky your patients are to have a health care
provider who understands meeting the baby's needs.

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