phototherapy brief interruption

[Guest guest]

Oh Barbara,

I will begin with a rhetorical question: Why do we care more about numbers than people? Protocol over people? Policies over people? Procedures over people?

Sigh.

That said, I think the only thing I would have said differently, Barbara, if I had had time to think about it -- this is the 20/20 hindsight part -- is that IF the bilirubin was THAT dangerous, they would have done an exchange transfusion. Since the docs are using a "minor" procedure, then it is perfectly OK to take the baby out and comfort as necessary whether it is just holding and snuggling or holding, snuggling, & breastfeeding. Have at it."

Jan

This is mainly a vent of frustration but also would appreciate feedback as in what would you do. I spoke to a mom of twins tonight who called me re breastfeeding difficulties. She told me her babies were in her room with phototherapy in progress and one of her babies was wailing for a few minutes before I asked what was happening and she said her baby was crying ands her husband was trying to comfort the baby while under the lights. Evidently his patting of baby wasn't enough and the infant continued screaming. I suggested she hold the baby for a few minutes STS as crying like this was stressful for baby. Mom said she was afraid to do so even though she wanted to because they might then take the babies to the nursery if she wasn't following protocol. The poor infant's distress was more than I could take and again I said a few minute interruption of phototherapy wouldn't be detrimental but that this ongoing crying was for baby. I felt for mom and know she felt powerless, so suggested she try to lean over the bassinet and offer her breast if she absolutely felt she couldn't pick baby up. We ended our conversation as she said she had to use both hands to do this; she plans to call me in the morning.

I was shaking, my neck was stiff and I felt so upset following this call. I can't believe it would interfere with therapy to hold a screaming baby for several minutes and then put baby back. All I kept thinking was the damage to baby's brain that was occurring. Am I overstepping my bounds (honestly don't care, really, baby's state was my concern)? How would you have handled this? I had spoken to this mom prenatally re twin breastfeeding, so she knew me.

Thanks. I think I'll have disturbing dreams tonight.

Barbara Latterner

[Guest guest]

thanks, Jan, needed this and wish always I could think quickly in the heat of the moment. My whole body was screaming help that baby and my hormones likely spiked in response.

Barbara

Oh Barbara,

I will begin with a rhetorical question: Why do we care more about numbers than people? Protocol over people? Policies over people? Procedures over people?

Sigh.

That said, I think the only thing I would have said differently, Barbara, if I had had time to think about it -- this is the 20/20 hindsight part -- is that IF the bilirubin was THAT dangerous, they would have done an exchange transfusion. Since the docs are using a "minor" procedure, then it is perfectly OK to take the baby out and comfort as necessary whether it is just holding and snuggling or holding, snuggling, & breastfeeding. Have at it."

Jan

This is mainly a vent of frustration but also would appreciate feedback as in what would you do. I spoke to a mom of twins tonight who called me re breastfeeding difficulties. She told me her babies were in her room with phototherapy in progress and one of her babies was wailing for a few minutes before I asked what was happening and she said her baby was crying ands her husband was trying to comfort the baby while under the lights. Evidently his patting of baby wasn't enough and the infant continued screaming. I suggested she hold the baby for a few minutes STS as crying like this was stressful for baby. Mom said she was afraid to do so even though she wanted to because they might then take the babies to the nursery if she wasn't following protocol. The poor infant's distress was more than I could take and again I said a few minute interruption of phototherapy wouldn't be detrimental but that this ongoing crying was for baby. I felt for mom and know she felt powerless, so suggested she try to lean over the bassinet and offer her breast if she absolutely felt she couldn't pick baby up. We ended our conversation as she said she had to use both hands to do this; she plans to call me in the morning.

I was shaking, my neck was stiff and I felt so upset following this call. I can't believe it would interfere with therapy to hold a screaming baby for several minutes and then put baby back. All I kept thinking was the damage to baby's brain that was occurring. Am I overstepping my bounds (honestly don't care, really, baby's state was my concern)? How would you have handled this? I had spoken to this mom prenatally re twin breastfeeding, so she knew me.

Thanks. I think I'll have disturbing dreams tonight.

Barbara Latterner

[Guest guest]

Thanks to those who replied to my post; it helped me to cool down. I spoke with mom this morning and she said she did hold baby for a bit and she calmed right down being held--poor munchkin. Poor mommy too being so disempowered and frightened, there must be a better way. Anyway, twins off phototherapy this AM and STS with mom...breastfeeding now has a better chance.

Warmly, Barbara