Hi Fiona,
I use the hands off approach 99% of the time.  I always say to the
Mum that I will talk her through the breastfeed and if I feel that it
is just not working, I ask permission to help her.  I just feel that
I am not there all the time, who is going to help her when I am gone?
 I have had a client, this was about 2 years ago now, who was
discharged from hospital after 5 days, and had never put the baby to
the breast herself, she rang me in the afternoon and needed me to
come and attach the baby for her and again at 10pm at night.  Imagine
being in that situation.  Also, having had a lot of trouble feeding
my second child, I can say that it was not at all pleasant having my
breasts man handled by someone else.  I knew they were helping, but
it was revolting.
Val in Busselton, Western Australia
RN RM IBCLC