So now when my breastfeeding patients ask for a bottle....

[princesspumpkin]

not only do I encourage them to nurse exclusively (like always), but now, we must read them a list of all of the downsides to introducing formula to breastfed babies (the list contains 7 or 8 different things like possibility of increase chance of obesity, change in the Ph of the intestines, as well as the usual "decrease in milk supply").

Don't get me wrong - I am a very strong advocate for breastfeeding (the lactation consultants are always trying to recruit me), but I work at night, so I always have patients ask me this at 2am, after they've been awake for over 48 hours. I have always been sympathetic to their exhaustion, while encouraging continued breastfeeding, but reading this list to my bleary-eyed patients in the middle of the night isn't going to go over very well.


There are ways to educate - I'm not quite sure that this way is one of the better ones.

 

[carole88]

Where is this list coming from?

 

[princessmom29]

If i was that patient I woudl be totally p***ed off!!! I cannot believe a hospital would require sometihing that assinine!!!! How awful for a tired, fustrated mom to have ot be subjected to that. It is the last thing she needs and would NOT have encouraged me to continue nursing at all.

 

[luvmy3]

The possibility of increase chance of obesity? At 2 AM, with a screaming infant waking up just after I fell asleep from the previous nursing, I'd take my chances on that one Sorry, I just know I wouldn't want to hear a list of things that may or could be attributed to formula feeding unless you are going to fax me over the studies that actually prove that it does cause those things. Until then, good luck with that

 

[TheZue]

The possibility of increase chance of obesity? At 2 AM, with a screaming infant waking up just after I fell asleep from the previous nursing, I'd take my chances on that one Sorry, I just know I wouldn't want to hear a list of things that may or could be attributed to formula feeding unless you are going to fax me over the studies that actually prove that it does cause those things. Until then, good luck with that

Seriously, and sleep deprived women who just gave birth are really going to be in the state of mind to evaluate the pros and cons of formula. The time to tell them all of this is while they are pregnant.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm a Breastfeeding exlusive kind of chick....

But who wants a lecture?

My son was prescribed a bottle (low blood sugar at birth) and then it was strongly suggested due to his weight. I still felt strongly about breastfeeding, so while I did part of what was suggested--the last thing I would want was a lecture about it.

Whose brainchild was this?

 

[kristilew]

This reminds me of the list of questions the dr's at Ft. Bragg were apparently required to ask in response to baby problems. DD had the worst colic. After days of screaming, projectile vomiting, crying until her nose bled, I desperately called the doctor. She asked "Are you holding her at all? Have you shown her a ball?"

I got these same two questions at each check up too.

Good luck, OP. At least you can comfort yourself with the idea that your reading of the list might help the poor parents fall asleep

 

[My sister's princess]

not only do I encourage them to nurse exclusively (like always), but now, we must read them a list of all of the downsides to introducing formula to breastfed babies (the list contains 7 or 8 different things like possibility of increase chance of obesity, change in the Ph of the intestines, as well as the usual "decrease in milk supply").

Don't get me wrong - I am a very strong advocate for breastfeeding (the lactation consultants are always trying to recruit me), but I work at night, so I always have patients ask me this at 2am, after they've been awake for over 48 hours. I have always been sympathetic to their exhaustion, while encouraging continued breastfeeding, but reading this list to my bleary-eyed patients in the middle of the night isn't going to go over very well.


There are ways to educate - I'm not quite sure that this way is one of the better ones.

Thank you for caring so much about the people you take care of. Thank you for following the rules, and for thinking about the rules, and when you see the rules are not working trying to change them.

The closer I get to having kids, the more I think about things like this. You sound like a GREAT caregiver.

 

[DeniseinNS]

I would be irritatated if I got to the point where I really felt that my baby needed a bottle and was told reasons not too. If that had happened to me at the hospital the one time that I felt my child needed a bottle I probably would have gotten even more frustrated about breastfeeding.

 

[All American]

I'll never understand why people think that a mom who chooses to formula feed does so out of the lack of education on the subject. (Just thinking about the OP's last sentence. It's an observation I've made many times before and felt like putting out there--no snarkiness intended just a )

With that being said, thank you for being sympathetic to a tired mom. Good luck with the new policy and maybe something will more reasonable will come as a result because the last thing I'd want is a 2 AM "lecture".

ETA: I agree with the PP who said you sound like a great caregiver. A little understanding and compassion in the early morning hours can go a long way.

 

[tzolkin]

I know you said you support breastfeeding and I do think it's ridiculous to read a list to a mother who asks, but I see this as a way to discourage the nurses from suggesting a bottle and also some mothers may not be aware of these things (although a different method of education would be better than reading a list).

When I had my first child, I had issues with the nurses and did not get any support for breastfeeding. I had been in labor for 3 days, had DD at 12:30 in the afternoon and still didn't sleep. She screamed the entire night and I just paced back and forth in my room with her. Every half hour or so a nurse would come in and ask, "Do you want me to get a bottle for you?" "I can take her to the nursery and give her a bottle" "Why don't you just give/let us give her a bottle?" They seemed to get more and more annoyed as the night went on, but not once did anyone offer any help with breastfeeding or any suggestions other than a bottle.

 

[kpm76]

Seriously, and sleep deprived women who just gave birth are really going to be in the state of mind to evaluate the pros and cons of formula. The time to tell them all of this is while they are pregnant.

I agree with you about the need to educate women when they are pregnant. I have a great OB but she was not exactly "pro" breast feeding so I got very little information or encouragement from her. One thing I will say though is that it's pretty easy to commit to b/f when you're pregnant and the little one is not screaming at the top of his/her lungs and your nipples are not so cracked you want to go through the ceiling when your little one latches. New moms who choose to nurse need a good support system (not the one outlined by the OP). My DH was absolutely positively the best support ever. There were many nights I wanted to throw in the towel because I was exhausted, my breasts were sore and I felt like I was feeding every 60 min. He would give me positive reinforcement, gently remind me of the benefits of b/f and tell me how proud he was of me. It made ALL the difference in the world......humm, so maybe we need to start educating new dads and give them tips on how to be supportive......

 

[simba20]

not only do I encourage them to nurse exclusively (like always), but now, we must read them a list of all of the downsides to introducing formula to breastfed babies (the list contains 7 or 8 different things like possibility of increase chance of obesity, change in the Ph of the intestines, as well as the usual "decrease in milk supply").

Don't get me wrong - I am a very strong advocate for breastfeeding (the lactation consultants are always trying to recruit me), but I work at night, so I always have patients ask me this at 2am, after they've been awake for over 48 hours. I have always been sympathetic to their exhaustion, while encouraging continued breastfeeding, but reading this list to my bleary-eyed patients in the middle of the night isn't going to go over very well.


There are ways to educate - I'm not quite sure that this way is one of the better ones.

Yes, this "lecture" would have made me already feel worse than what I was feeling.

Picture this: Tiny me 4'11" doped up on meds for a c-section after a stalled *****al birth ( I had waaay to much medication). My daughter was delivered at 1:08, I got to see her for all of 5 minuters (I feel asleep due to the meds) and I wake up in ISOLATED recovery at 3:30a.m. Finally get taken to my recovery room at 5 a.m. and my daughter is finally brought to my room at 6 a.m.

I try to breastfeed, but it's not working. Throughout the day I get help from the lactation consultant, but she's still not taking to it. When she does feed, it's from bottles, but I keep trying.

Next day, I am still out of it, but give breastfeeding a try on and off. Daughter is having none of it, and my "headlights" were inverted. We try shields, etc, but daughter will not do the work (her latch was fine, but she just didn;t like havign to do the work). Formula for another day.

Day three I am still at the hospital, having had an overnight blodd transfusion. I am finally feeling tons better, and trying to get the breastfeeding thing going. Still not working.

After a WEEK, we come home. I feel that once I am relaxed in my own home and have less visitors breastfeeding will work. I have been trying everyday, but it's still not working. I get an awful spinal headache (did not know it at the time) and spend entire day in bed. My mom and husband feed daughter formula.

By this point, I start getting really depressed. I feel that everyone has bonded with my daughter so easily, and I haven't yet because breastfeeding is not working, I feel run over by a bus. Daughter begins to cry everytime I hold her, so I hand her off to others. Still plugging away at breastfeeding, but DD is just not doing it/liking it. I pump very little and try to give her the pumped milk when I can.

One week and two days after DD is born, I recognize that I am depressed, and thankfully that recognition came early. I decide it's not worth my mental health to keep pressing this, so I make the decision to stop any attempt at breastfeeding.....even pumping was making me feel bad.

Two days after my decision, I feel better. I hold DD, treasure moments with her, and she doesn't cry when I come near.......

It was a very hard decision for me to make, but I knew that my daughter needed a sane Mommy over anything else. I am not making light of anyone who falls in PPD, but I am thankful that I recognized how off I felt, and that I was wrong to think that DD didn't like me. However, it still stings me when the breastfeeding nazis come out and make any woman feel bad about her decision to breastfeed or not. I always get "you didn't try hard enough" when I share my story, and I have to tell you that the lactation consultants practically camped out in my hospital room EVERYDAY I was there. I was not afraid to call/use them. I took any and all advice.

Anyway, yes, a bleary eyed new mom at 2 a.m. will really look forward to hearing this [sarcasm].

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I know you said you support breastfeeding and I do think it's ridiculous to read a list to a mother who asks, but I see this as a way to discourage the nurses from suggesting a bottle and also some mothers may not be aware of these things (although a different method of education would be better than reading a list).

When I had my first child, I had issues with the nurses and did not get any support for breastfeeding. I had been in labor for 3 days, had DD at 12:30 in the afternoon and still didn't sleep. She screamed the entire night and I just paced back and forth in my room with her. Every half hour or so a nurse would come in and ask, "Do you want me to get a bottle for you?" "I can take her to the nursery and give her a bottle" "Why don't you just give/let us give her a bottle?" They seemed to get more and more annoyed as the night went on, but not once did anyone offer any help with breastfeeding or any suggestions other than a bottle.

When I get a prescription filled with a pharmacy--

They give me a piece of paper. I am asked if I have any questions, but I can read the paper on my own.

Can't you just give mom the bottle with the paper?

No, I dont' want to be offered a bottle every stinkin' moment I have trouble--

But I also don't see the need for the lecture. People get meds that can literally kill them--and they get a piece of paper with that warning. They don't get a lecture by the pharmacist.

 

[diznygirl]

When I get a prescription filled with a pharmacy--

They give me a piece of paper. I am asked if I have any questions, but I can read the paper on my own.

Can't you just give mom the bottle with the paper?

No, I dont' want to be offered a bottle every stinkin' moment I have trouble--

But I also don't see the need for the lecture. People get meds that can literally kill them--and they get a piece of paper with that warning. They don't get a lecture by the pharmacist.

I have another suggestion - read them the list while handing them the bottle.

I agree that this "lecture" is just going to lead to frustration and anger at the nurses. Such a shame.

 

[Jennasis]

I would be beyond pissed off if I got a scripted lecture on the perils of bottle feeding after just having done the equivalent of passing a 7lb Cabbage Patch Doll through an opening the size of a small garden hose. Heads would roll...the nurse lecturing me, specifically.

So stupid. Sorry you have to do this.

 

[Imzadi]

Sounds like coercion to me.

I can understand the need to educate women, but are you supposed to do this every time they want to bottle feed, or just the first time they do it?

I wonder if the guy who made up this rule was the one who came up with, "Have a happy period."

 

[LuvLDM]

I would be beyond pissed off if I got a scripted lecture on the perils of bottle feeding after just having done the equivalent of passing a 7lb Cabbage Patch Doll through an opening the size of a small garden hose. Heads would roll...the nurse lecturing me, specifically.

So stupid. Sorry you have to do this.

I agree.
...and why is it assumed that the mothers NEED educating? It's as though they think if a mother chooses to formula feed she must be ignorant on the benefits of nursing.

 

[princessmom29]

Yes, this "lecture" would have made me already feel worse than what I was feeling.

Picture this: Tiny me 4'11" doped up on meds for a c-section after a stalled *****al birth ( I had waaay to much medication). My daughter was delivered at 1:08, I got to see her for all of 5 minuters (I feel asleep due to the meds) and I wake up in ISOLATED recovery at 3:30a.m. Finally get taken to my recovery room at 5 a.m. and my daughter is finally brought to my room at 6 a.m.

I try to breastfeed, but it's not working. Throughout the day I get help from the lactation consultant, but she's still not taking to it. When she does feed, it's from bottles, but I keep trying.

Next day, I am still out of it, but give breastfeeding a try on and off. Daughter is having none of it, and my "headlights" were inverted. We try shields, etc, but daughter will not do the work (her latch was fine, but she just didn;t like havign to do the work). Formula for another day.

Day three I am still at the hospital, having had an overnight blodd transfusion. I am finally feeling tons better, and trying to get the breastfeeding thing going. Still not working.

After a WEEK, we come home. I feel that once I am relaxed in my own home and have less visitors breastfeeding will work. I have been trying everyday, but it's still not working. I get an awful spinal headache (did not know it at the time) and spend entire day in bed. My mom and husband feed daughter formula.

By this point, I start getting really depressed. I feel that everyone has bonded with my daughter so easily, and I haven't yet because breastfeeding is not working, I feel run over by a bus. Daughter begins to cry everytime I hold her, so I hand her off to others. Still plugging away at breastfeeding, but DD is just not doing it/liking it. I pump very little and try to give her the pumped milk when I can.

One week and two days after DD is born, I recognize that I am depressed, and thankfully that recognition came early. I decide it's not worth my mental health to keep pressing this, so I make the decision to stop any attempt at breastfeeding.....even pumping was making me feel bad.

Two days after my decision, I feel better. I hold DD, treasure moments with her, and she doesn't cry when I come near.......

It was a very hard decision for me to make, but I knew that my daughter needed a sane Mommy over anything else. I am not making light of anyone who falls in PPD, but I am thankful that I recognized how off I felt, and that I was wrong to think that DD didn't like me. However, it still stings me when the breastfeeding nazis come out and make any woman feel bad about her decision to breastfeed or not. I always get "you didn't try hard enough" when I share my story, and I have to tell you that the lactation consultants practically camped out in my hospital room EVERYDAY I was there. I was not afraid to call/use them. I took any and all advice.

Anyway, yes, a bleary eyed new mom at 2 a.m. will really look forward to hearing this [sarcasm].

I could have written your post verbatim. I went through almost exactly the same thing. Difficult ******l birth, lots of blood loss, dd wouldn't nurse, not enough milk to feed her porperly, depression brought on by not being able to nurse when EVERYONE is telling me I absolutely have to or DD will be damaged. My dd also started crying every time I held her and it made things worse. It took me two weeks, and a wonderful ped. who told me it was ok before I finally gave in, and you know what, everything turned out ok. I have a healthy happy six year old! I wish someone had told me sooner that I was nto a failure as a mom because I couldn't nurse DD. I sometimes get the "you didn't try hard enough" bit too, and it is really hurtful even now. I simply could not produce enough milk to maintain DD's weiht or get her working effectively to consume what little I was producing, even with help and support. It just wasn't working.

 

[pilotwife_02]

I agree.
...and why is it assumed that the mothers NEED educating? It's as though they think if a mother chooses to formula feed she must be ignorant on the benefits of nursing.

Very good point. And there are some women who can't nurse for medical reason, medicine they are one, illnesses they may have and they may already feel bad about not being able to breastfeed and I'm sure this policy will just make them feel worse.

My son also was fed a bottle at first for low blood sugar AND he didn't latch so while I pumped (and got barely enough to feed him two bottles a day) I had to supplement with formula and I struggled with feeling like a failure as it was being a new mom and thinking I HAD to nurse in order to be a good mom. I truly thought it would have been simple, it was a natural thing and that everyone could do and do it easily and when that didn't happen to me, I thought there was something wrong with me and I failed as a mom. Even with the help of lactation consultants he never latched and I had to pump.

I can only imagine how I would have felt if I was lectured about nursing as opposed to giving him formula.

I applaud you for knowing that right after giving birth when a mom's hormones are going crazy is not the right time to be giving them a presentation about the benefits of BF. I only wish the dimwit who thought it was a good idea had as much compassion as you did.