In a message dated 1/21/03 5:17:03 AM, [log in to unmask] writes: << f you take the research-based statements from Paula Meier's work you can form a policy. eg: (not in logical order - just off the top of my head) -Lactation consultant to see EVERY infant/mother pair in NICU within 24 hrs and follow them at least weekly. -Mother to be given peer support resources/pump resources/information. -Start trophic feeds ASAP. -Always use FULL strength EBM. -Kangaroo care as soon as stable. (ie no weight or gest age criteria) -"Dry" (nonnutritive) breastfeeding as soon as stable. (ie no weight or gest age criteria) -Always put baby to breast BEFORE attempting bottle-feeding. -If supplements needed - gavage preferred. -If too mature for gavage, use feeding method of Mom's choice. -Use EBM in order pumped X 3 weeks, then fresh milk. -Start pumping within 24 hrs (preferably within 6 hrs) post partum. -Pump to mimic normal term newborn feeding pattern (ie 8-12 X 24 hrs) for first week, then at least 5-8 X/25 hrs, including through the night. -Pre-post weights to assess BM transfer q feed (Sweden), q day, q.o.d., prn - you choose- no literature -Dr. Meier's nursery allows Mom and RN to decide when to increase feeds - in my nursery it is the doc who writes the orders (but usually the RN and Mom tell me what they want!) I could go on and on but the hour is late - even in California. Hope this helps. Nancy Nancy E. Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC Neonatologist, Children's Hospital, and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women Medical Director, Lactation Services, Sharp HealthCare San Diego, CA, USA >> Nancy, You've just outlined a wonderful policy. If all NICU's could do that much great strides could be made. And you're right, all the research to support it is out there. Kathy Boggs, RN, IBCLC Mountain View, CA *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html