In a message dated 4/20/01 9:09:49 PM Pacific Daylight Time, "Debi Page
Ferrarello, RN, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
writes:
   > Are other people using bottles when breastfeeding is not going well, and
> transitioning to the breast?
> Personally, despite use of the SNS myself and professional experience with
> SNSs, cups, feeding tubes and syringes, I still find more parents opting
> for bottles.  Most of my clients who try alternative feeding methods other
> than bottles grow weary of them quickly.

Before responding to Debi's post above, I want to make a reintroduction.
I've been commenting on some issues lately and thought maybe I should let the
group know a little about myself!  I've been on and off this list for the
past 4 years -- sometimes lurking, sometimes searching archives, other times
going "no mail" when unable to keep up.  I really appreciate all the
discussion and wisdom here.
I started as a Registered Nurse 20 years ago, and got into Obstetrics 14
years ago.  I worked in Mother-Baby, Labor and Delivery and on a "Helpline"
phone resource for new moms in our community.  In all of those roles I was
involved in helping moms and babies with breastfeeding.  4 years ago I
started helping out as a "Lactation Nurse" when our LC of many years retired
and the hospital was deciding whether/how to replace her.
Thankfully the hospital decided to continue to provide a Lactation Program,
and 4 years ago, I wound up getting one of two part time jobs as a "Lactation
Specialist".  3 years ago I became IBLCE certified.  The more I learn the
more there is to know!  Last year I took Jan Riordan's Internet breastfeeding
course, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Our hospital lactation program has expanded in the Outpatient setting (We
have a clinic associated with the Helpline mentioned above where we do
consultations, baby weights, phone f/u, and have a pump rental station), and
in the Mother-baby unit, and we are gaining some ground in the NICU also.  We
now have 2.6 FTEs dedicated to Lactation support - 3 of us are IBCLCs and the
4th will be taking the exam in July.
I've also gotten involved in our local breastfeeding coalition and it's great
to gather with people in different settings to work toward a common goal.
Most of my years as a nurse I've worked part time, while also raising 4
daughters (of course breastfed!).  Thankfully my husband has been able to be
a "stay at home Dad" for the last several years while I'm the family
breadwinner.
So anyway, in my practice I also have reluctance on the part of parents to
try alternate feeding methods.  When a baby's not latching, I usually review
alternate feeding methods and pros/cons of each -- most parents opt for the
bottle.  Or if they start on something such as finger feeds, when I check
with them in a day or two "it got to be too hard" and they returned to the
bottle.
When they do opt for bottles I direct them toward one that will flow slower
so that baby won't get used to the fast flow.  I think that when the mother
is motivated and committed the bottles do not necessarily interfere with the
baby learning to breastfeed.  I think one of the most important thing in
these situations is keeping the mom's supply up so that when the baby does
start to figure out breastfeeding there's lots there for him!!
So I don't know if it's just that bottles are so familiar in our society or
what the reason is, that many parents opt for bottles  use for supplementing,
but I don't think that their use means that breastfeeding cannot succeed.
I too am interested in hearing what others have to say about how to keep the
enthusiasm up for other methods besides bottles, because there are some cases
when I really wish the parents would opt for not using bottles.
Sorry this got so long,
Lori Salisbury RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
Sacred Heart Medical Center
Spokane, WA, USA

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