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Mon, 6 May 1996 15:33:23 -0400 |
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A ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 4 May 1996 22:24:26 -0500
> From: Redinger <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Breastpumps go home w/new moms
>
> I have been running into this problem lately and I need to vent. Why do
> some hospitals send every b/f mom home with a breast pump. I have had
> contacts with moms who told me their new babies wanted to eat every 2
> hours and so the moms thought they weren't producing enough milk, (they
> didn't think to count the diapers!). So they tried pumping their breasts
> with the nifty "free" breastpump that was sent home with them from the
> hospital. Guess what! they could only pump about 1/2 ounce and they were
> convinced that they weren't producing enough milk and that was why their
> babies wanted to nurse every 2 hours(or less). So they started using abm
> and finally call me to get help for engorgement.
> IMHO giving a pump to every b/f mom leaving the hospital is telling her
> what? That every b/f mom needs or should be using a pump? and for what
> reason? On the surface it may appear like a good idea, "instead of
> formula we give them a breastpump to take home" but aren't we still in
> some way undermining the mom's trust in breastfeeding? I hope I am
> making some sense here, it's been a long day--too many phone calls for
> a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
>
> Barbara Redinger, LLLL, IBCLC
>
> ------------------------------
>
>On the pro side of giving pumps: my daughter came home from the hospital with enough supply for the neighborhood and a baby who nursed
well and then slept. Having the pump and knowing how to use it and also
advantages and disadvantages helped her collect her first few ounces and
relieve a great deal of discomfort. As with most things, it may not be
the pump that's the problem but the handing out of pumps without proper
information and instruction, such as how little of the milk available
the pump may actually get and what is an appropriate feeding pattern
for a two day old newborn. If the staff properly educates the mom it
may be helpful as often as it's harmful. Education is the key, and so
many staff simply aren't prepared or don't have time to do this
properly.
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