I'm sure this is nothing new to the RNs on our list but there are a few
things I feel I must say as a non-RN IBCLC in support of the NICU staff.
I have worked in several hospitals, one which had a 38 bed NICU. Anyone who
does not have a nursing background may feel that some of the equipment and
routines interfere with mother-baby bonding. But as it has been pointed out,
this equipment may be necessary and life sustaining. I would suggest to
anyone who has never been in a NICU or had a baby there and does not have a
nursing background to get a good book on the experience and read up on the
equipment and reasons for its use. There is a good one from NICU Ink titled
:
What every nicu parent needs to know" and the chapter on breastfeeding is
excellent. (Written by an IBCLC, RN) The author's name escapes me, the book
is at work, but even at Barnes and Noble or Borders or your public library,
there are good books which explain most of this. I have learned LOTS just
being there and have a totally different outlook from when I was a brand new
IBCLC 13 years ago. Anyone can read and pass that test....practical,
clinical
experience is what gets you a job. Know your stuff about the other things
impacting mothers and babies...postpartum hemorrhage, infections, and such.
Said in an educational tone,
Mary Kay Smith, IBCLC
Romeoville IL near Chicago

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html