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Subject:
From:
Laura Hart <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 29 Jul 1998 17:07:36 EDT
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Loni,
Certainly it is wise to have BF moms informed, but the form you presented
doesn't really answer all the questions. #1-5 should each have an explaination
attached. For example:
1. Mothers & nurses should be educated that there is plenty of colostrum to
satisfy newborns IF babies are allowed to BF ad lib without interference from
supplemental feeds & being separated.
2. Sleep is extremely important, so moms should take naps throughout the day &
evening without frequent interuptions from visitors & nursing staff. Avoiding
BF for 1-2 nights will only delay milk supply & mom will then lose sleep the
next few nights anyway while the milk supply is being increased .
3. If an infant has a continuous need to suck, he probably isn't latched on
correctly & therefore isn't getting enough to eat. This baby needs a visit
from one educated in breastfeeding to correct the problem today, not a bottle
which will reenforce the problem allowing it to continue & jeopardizing BF.
4. Fathers can be encouraged to hold babies skin-to-skin which promotes
bonding & is much more gratifying than giving a bottle.
5. If mom wants baby to accept both breast & bottle, she should be informed
that it best to wait until breastfeeding is well established. To do both prior
to that time can interfere with adequate milk production & babies ability to
latch correctly causing poor weight gain & may cause mother problems with sore
nipples, engorgement & mastitis.

We have no informed consent for supplementing at our hospital & I have debated
about whether or not it is necessary or advisable. As you probably know, when
a mom is given the facts, unemotionally, she can then make an informed choice
for her situation. It is my observation that they usually will not supplement
once they understand what is going on & what normal breastfeeding in a newborn
is.

Maybe IGNORANCE is the greatest inhibitor to breastfeeding.

Sincerely,
Laura Hart
Staff nurse, childbirth ed & IBCLC
Winter Park, Florida

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