I certainly hope what Jennifer heard on that mothering board was not really true.  Maybe they are not IBCLCs but just nurses who help moms with breastfeeding.  And pass themselves as lactation consultants/counselors.  I would never go room to room doing such a thing EVER!  On the other hand, when a mother is having trouble, baby is not feeding at all or poorlly and output is becoming a big issue, etc then I do sit with the family and go over many options of how to get food to this baby.  Some women have more trouble hand expressing than others, some don't want to touch their breasts, sometimes formula has to be a temporary food until we get the issue under control.  I hate it but I am not going to starve a baby for the sake of praying the child turns a quick corner and figures it out, when I go home at night and or I am not there the next day to follow up.  Sitting with the family teaching pumping techniques, cleaning, and how to use a bottle (yes, this is done, I am not going to just let them figure it out and dump too much in and let gravity lead the feeding of the baby) properly, amounts, etc, are all part of what I do when I have to put a mom on a plan.  Most moms prefer the bottle than any other way of alternative feeding.  Some are open to other ways, not many.  And I am not so worried about it when I was a green IBCLC.  If they follow up, I can help them.

I don't know why an IBCLC would go to bottle feeding moms rooms and just teach bottle/formula.  I don't go to those women unless someone has told me to go there and then I usually feel so uncomfortable.  I tell them to hear the research for a moment, take the resource handout, call if they change their minds and that is it.  I don't feel obligated to teach them about bottles.  But I do believe we are NOT allowed to teach bottles/formula feeding in a group setting but one on one is ok, if appropriate.  Anyone read our professional guidelines lately?

Pamela Hendrix BA, RNIV, IBCLC, RLC
S. Florida 



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