I would love your collected wisdom and opinion on this...........

I am an LC, & RNC working in a hospital with a large NICU and
Continuing Care population (Growers and Feeders with assorted
premi stuff).

One point 5  LC is on to cover post-partum, Nicu, ccn, pediatrics, calls
and out-patients.

For the premi population nipple shields are very often used. I have
seen mothers faces light up when their baby finally gets a latch and
she feels the tugging of her nipple and subsequent milk left in it when
baby comes off. Up to now it has been only the LC who can pass out
shields to mothers. The LC is doing the teaching and covers the need
for continued pumping.  After discharge the LC maintains phone
contact and will do weight checks if needed.   The hospital has the
goal to push these kids forward toward discharge and they need to be
eating.......if not by shield, then by bottle.

NICU wants to have the authority to give out shields to their mom's
when they think the time is right.
Given the shortage of LC hours, it will happen.

I have been charged with inservicing the NICU staff about shield use
etc.

NO question, these moms will  need to pump.  Do you know of any
guidelines?  Do you know if nurses in other hospitals do this?  Are
people getting consent forms signed by the mother when shields are
used?

What are others doing?

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