Dear all:

The drop-in clinics that we run are 2 hours on paper --- with the expectation that we may 
from time to time get situations that will keep us there for 2-1/2 hours.  If we tell 
mothers that the clinics run for 2-1/2 hours, then I end up sometimes needing 3 hours --- 
and I'm sure that it would keep extending out for that extra half hour no matter how 
many hours you allot.  The 2 to 2-1/2 hours seems very comfortable.  I am able to do 
some history taking and give mini cards with simple tips --- reminders of suggestions.   
All babies get weighed during the group and it is used to reinforce their own observations 
of their babies intake via swallowing cues and behavior.  The drop-in groups that have 
varied from 4 to 21 women.  When it gets above 12 women I have to work very 
efficiently, but it isn't too stressful.  Above 18 women and I take routine deep breaths -- 
address common problems to the whole group and tell everyone to make sure that they 
ask their questions before they leave or call me if they forgot a question.  I'd say 6-10 is 
an ideal group because you can get them to talk to each other and share ideas. At that 
size, it is likely that each mother will also find another mother who is experiencing 
similar problems with whom she can empathize.  It works particularly well for follow ups 
because I already know the whole history in depth.

One of the ways that I conserve time during a home visit is to do the charting according 
to when the baby is ready to eat.  I do it first if the baby is not ready to eat and fill in 
additional info during the feeding.  If the baby is ravenous -- I save it for the end.  Some 
situations just really need the extra time so I just allow for that and make sure I have 
enough time to eat lunch and make calls.

Best, Susan

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