The principle "In normal birth there should be a valid reason to interfere with the natural process" (WHO Care in Normal Birth 1996) applies just as much to the establishment of breastfeeding as it does to pregnancy and birth. Unfortunately we have in many cases lost the perspective of a natural process.
Some of you may think I am nitpicking, but the statement "firstly it is medically indicated" is the exact point at which most babies are given supplements, as well as interferences such as inductions and augmentations are carried out. WE (the professionals) carry the power to say what's medically indicated. Many many times I have witnessed this situation, which Jan and others have written about too. The FIRST (not 2nd) step should be a skilled counsellor (preferably imho a known and trusted midwife, since this happens in the days after birth) who is 'with woman' before any problems (medical reasons) develop, and who explores the problem (real or perceived) with the woman and commits to an agreed plan. In that way most breastfeeding difficulties can be managed without thinking about formula. I stand by the BFHI '10 Steps to successful breastfeeding' as a clear statement of best practice for maternity service providers. The acceptable reasons for supplementation in the BFHI are quite stringent. (The most acceptable alternative to a mother's own milk is milk from another woman.) Many hospitals have become accredited as 'baby friendly' in the past decade, but that doesn't mean the culture of interference has been changed. 'Fiddling' is part of the human condition - there are very few cultures in which unsupplemented breastfeeding of newborns is the norm. Those who are working in hospitals, as well as those who are attending women and their babies in their homes need to be constantly vigilant. This doesn't mean ignoring the unsettled, hungry baby who is trying to get the precious liquid, but hasn't got it right, or the sleepy, jaundiced baby who is trying to come out of narcotic haze. It means finding ways to support each unique mother/baby pair to achieve their goal, without doing any harm. This is part of a lifelong learning process for me. Learning to work with, and not against, the wonderful human body is far more difficult and challenging than learning how to interrupt and interfere. Joy Johnston -----Original Message----- From: Malavisi, Pete [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 6:21 PM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject: RE: formula without consent? I saw a mother today in my child health capacity and she mentioned that her 2 day old babe had been given boiled water overnight because it was unsettled, not sure if consent was gained or not, but my understanding is that we shouldn't be giving anything except for the breast unless firstly it is medically indicated ( I do appreciate it that this is open to interpretation) and secondly only after consent is gained from parents. yours in midwifery, pete malavisi -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
