Gail, I was an NICU nurse in a "former life (the 1980's)." I'd approach the parents something like this, "I'm sorry your baby is sick. I want you to know that breastfeeding is still possible, and we'll help you every step of the way." Many parents just assume that bf is out in a situation like this. Then I give info about expressing etc. I let them know they can start as soon as they'd like, but they may take time to think about it because often they are experiencing shock and disbelief, denial, etc. I have never had anyone say they were angry or upset by being encouraged to bf. On the contrary, most will be grateful for having the opportunity, even if the child dies. If that does happen I contact them to express my sympathy and help with drying up or donating to a milk bank. In our unit, before anyone was IBCLC (the director became certified!), some interested nurses learned all we could about bf and called ourselves bf counselors. Many of us at the time were childless, so we didn't have any personal experience, but we would each have a caseload of moms and babies and follow them by phone and in person. We read all we could, had regular meetings, cont. educ. etc. I think we did a good job of supporting the moms. Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC Louisiana Breastfeeding MediaWatch Campaign Violet Louisiana, USA mailto:[log in to unmask] ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com