Re: is nipple confusion or flow confusion a concern? where is the resear

[Guest guest]

Hello.

I have worked at two large Level IV maternity hospitals and in a group private

practice. I don't call it nipple confusion. I call it either nipple preference

(for the more firm teat) or flow preference.

These babies aren't confused, they prefer either a faster flow or a teat

shape/sensation that 'works more easily' for them. Either way, it is usually

fixable.

Remember that the most important thing is to 'feed the baby'. Taking into

account staff ability, mother ability, available supplies, infant ability and

such , sometimes the bottle for *necessary* supplementation is not the worst

thing because it can be removed later.

I certainly advocate for SNS or syringe or even spoon feeding if initially

needed. But not all situations will do best with these options. I have always

felt that the best thing a hospital can do is to *refer* for LC care within

24-48 hours after discharge in these cases. So often this is not the case. That

is sad.

Kindly,

Kate Cropp WHNP, IBCLC

Sent from my iPod

[Guest guest]

Amen!!

to everything.

beth ILCLC and LLLC leader

Ottawa Ontario

To: From: kate@...Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:07:12 -0600Subject: Re: is nipple confusion or flow confusion a concern? where is the resear

Hello. I have worked at two large Level IV maternity hospitals and in a group private practice. I don't call it nipple confusion. I call it either nipple preference (for the more firm teat) or flow preference. These babies aren't confused, they prefer either a faster flow or a teat shape/sensation that 'works more easily' for them. Either way, it is usually fixable. Remember that the most important thing is to 'feed the baby'. Taking into account staff ability, mother ability, available supplies, infant ability and such , sometimes the bottle for *necessary* supplementation is not the worst thing because it can be removed later. I certainly advocate for SNS or syringe or even spoon feeding if initially needed. But not all situations will do best with these options. I have always felt that the best thing a hospital can do is to *refer* for LC care within 24-48 hours after discharge in these cases. So often this is not the case. That is sad. Kindly,Kate Cropp WHNP, IBCLCSent from my iPod

[Guest guest]

Also can I just say that I really feel for parents who get off on the wrong foot d/t some misinformation or poor help and that most parents have never been taught to bottle feed safely and comfortably for the baby and that I think this matters. A lot sometimes. Milk flow has sooooo much to do with just about everything - baby going back to the breast especially.I am finding this conversation v. interesting. Babies generally know that they are doing but can get thrown off track just like the rest of us. They generally can get back on again with some help and patience and lots of support. Moms need all of that too, esp when they have not had it and ended up in a crappy situation.

Now off to see a baby who has been bottle fed for that last week so mom can heal - 3rd one this week. Can you tell this is kinda hitting home for me right now?? Both so far back at breat NO problem at all. No pain, no issue. Moms protected supply by pumping (thank goodness!) and baby latched and fed. Ta Da. They needed teaching (moms) but all well now. Lets see how this one goes.............have had it easy so far!

take care all

beth mcmillan BA IBCLC LLLC leader

Ottawa, Ont.

To: ibclc-pp From: bethmcmillan@...Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:13:36 -0500Subject: RE: Re: is nipple confusion or flow confusion a concern? where is the resear

Amen!! to everything. beth ILCLC and LLLC leaderOttawa Ontario

To: From: kate@...Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:07:12 -0600Subject: Re: is nipple confusion or flow confusion a concern? where is the resear

Hello. I have worked at two large Level IV maternity hospitals and in a group private practice. I don't call it nipple confusion. I call it either nipple preference (for the more firm teat) or flow preference. These babies aren't confused, they prefer either a faster flow or a teat shape/sensation that 'works more easily' for them. Either way, it is usually fixable. Remember that the most important thing is to 'feed the baby'. Taking into account staff ability, mother ability, available supplies, infant ability and such , sometimes the bottle for *necessary* supplementation is not the worst thing because it can be removed later. I certainly advocate for SNS or syringe or even spoon feeding if initially needed. But not all situations will do best with these options. I have always felt that the best thing a hospital can do is to *refer* for LC care within 24-48 hours after discharge in these cases. So often this is not the case. That is sad. Kindly,Kate Cropp WHNP, IBCLCSent from my iPod