Dear Brenda, I sympathize and have had same experience. Fortunately, we ran
out of SNS, so they're stuck with the real thing, and we finally have an
alternative feeding policy, so bottles should not be given if Mom wants to
supplement or it is medically necessary. Yes, staff become overly dependent
on SNS and yes, mother is undermined. Everyone is in such a hurry, and if
we could help moms lower their expectations, know that the baby wont starve
in one day, it's going to happen! Remind staff, mothers, that milk IS in,
and was produced since early pregnancy. Also, some good postings on LACTNET
recently re early colostrum amounts. Some LC's don't even let staff use
SNS--strictly LC regulated. Also, check Dr. Newman web site for info re SNS
and when appropriate.
Regards,
Patricia Ellis
New Jersey
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Brenda Phipps" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2000 2:30 PM
Subject: supplementing "until the milk comes in"
Hi,
I have been working in a hospital environment now for three months, and I
need to vent! I am so tired of hearing that a baby was supplemented with
SNS at the breast with formula because he is crying, fussing, etc. The
automatic reaction of staff is that the baby is simply not getting enough
colostrum. And I'm talking about babies who are latching on BEAUTIFULLY!!
I've seen all kinds of babies get the SNS by staff - IUGR babies, big
babies, small babies... the idea that colostrum is simply not enough
prevails here. Sometimes I wonder if the fact that hospital staff has access
to the SNS is causing more harm than good. It is so easy to just fill that
bottle up with formula and attach it to the breast - less guilt on the part
of the nurse who offers it, you know.
I worked at WIC for 9 years and saw moms coming in all the time who were
convinced they didn't have enough milk because they were offered the SNS in
the hospital because the baby "wasn't getting enough". Now that I'm here,
it's evident why these moms were given that impression.
What do I do? How can this be changed? Is there any hope?
Desparately yours,
Brenda PHipps, BS, IBCLC (thanks for listening!!)
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