Friends.. when you get a patient who is totally misinformed (read, the vast
majority of my patients) how do you handle it? I am not talking little
details here. I am talking total ignorance.
NICU Mom says her milk supply will be just fine thanks, because she is
engorged and look how much milk she has! No need to pump at home! Why, her
baby only weighs 2lb! SHe has enough milk for a month! [Two weeks later,
'milk dried up']
Or using a breast pump gave her aunt breast cancer. Or she intends to feed
baby mashed potato by bottle at 3 months (these are all real cases and not
unusual).
Do you come over all professional and try to impress her with your
knowledge? Or do you try gentle persuasion and counseling? I fear most of
my patients need a bash on the head, not gentle persuasion.
Sometimes I am at a complete loss. Suggestions?
Anne MErewood