When the LC is sick

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I do a very small amount of private practice work, seeing moms in their

homes and breastfeeding classes. Yesterday I received a call from the

father of a 2-day-old baby born at home. I had briefly met the parents at

a childbirth class where I gave a short breastfeeding talk. The dad was

calling to see if I could come out ASAP as the mom was experiencing very

sore nipples. Their midwife was to return again today and they were hoping

to get someone out last night. I was not able to go last night but did

give them a couple of names of other LCs in their general area (I live

about 45 minutes from them.) and the name/number of their nearest LLL

Leader. We made arrangements for me to see them this afternoon, my first

chance for an appointment. This morning I woke up with a cough that I knew

was the progression of a low-level cold that started days ago- to this

point the only symptoms were a minor sore throat and then last evening a

small throat tickle. This morning, however, the cough had started

noticeably. I wrestled with a decision for the first hour or so, trying to

decide if I should still go out to see this new mom and baby. I decided

against going at 9:00 a.m. and called the mom to tell her how sorry I was

but that I just didn't feel right coming out to her home with a newborn

baby, particularly one born in the insulated environment of their home. I

then immediately left a message for another IBCLC in her area, hoping that

she would be able to go out. I also am waiting to hear back from the LLL

Leader in the area to see if any of the LLL Leaders make house calls.

When I spoke to the mom this morning to cancel our appointment, she sounded

very distressed about her nursing experience to this point and said

something to the effect that she doesn't know if she can do this. She did

seem to understand my cancelling the appointment. I told her that I would

call her later (as I had to go out) to see if they were able to find help

and to speak to her over the phone regarding basic positioning and latch

issues.

I'm still weighing the risk of having gone out to their home, being very

careful not to spread germs (maybe wearing a mask?) with the risk that this

mom will stop bf because she didn't get help soon enough. I know that

ultimately it is not my responsibility how all turns out and that we do the

best we can, but.... you know what I mean. :-) This is the first time I

have cancelled an appointment.

How would others have handled this situation? How sick is " too sick " for

an LC to go out to a home? And, do you believe there is a difference

between seeing a baby at home who was born at home as opposed to one born

in the hospital?

Thanks very much in advance,

Dianne Oliver, IBCLC

Simi Valley, CA

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Holistic Lactation

www.holisticlactation.com