Tania,
But I also work in a Mother Baby Unit so see the result of mothers who are
unsupported & exhausted often from Day 1. It's not appropriate to take over
their mothering but it is appropriate to assist them to adjust by being
there for support & a break if needed.
It's not about bottle-feeding overnight, that went out with button up boots,
it's about being kind, caring, empathetic & helpful. We all know that
substituting formula for breast feeds overnight is detrimental to B/F,
that's not in question & as you say reality is a good thing, it's all about
fostering mutual adjustment.
New mothers need nurturing, most other cultures recognise this & don't
expect a 'super-mum', I think that's where we are unrealistic in BFH.
Our MBUnits are full of mothers who needed mothering & didn't get it, they
are mostly a mess whilst their babies are inevitably thriving. however their
relationships, mental states & lives are often in despair.
We need to provide a balance, that's the issue.
BM
----- Original Message -----
From: "brendamanning" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 4:53 PM
Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Midwifery-led units - warning, a bit of a rave!
Kate,
Must admit I also promote 'women friendly' care, not including some of the
things your colleague does, but if we don't care for the mothers how can
we expect them to nurture their babies??
They need nurturing too, mothers need mothering & baby-friendly can be
very hard on the women. I feel that his is where the term 'breast-feeding
nazi' originated, not prioritising the maternal need for rest &
recovery/convalescence over the obsession with infant attention.
Must be a happy medium !
BM
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kate &/or Nick" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 3:22 PM
Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Midwifery-led units - warning, a bit of a rave!
----- >>how about the 'woman friendly birth centre'?
There's a lot of different definitions of that one. Just had a placement
with a m/w who promoted woman-friendly over baby-friendly. Her idea of
w-f
was to have longer hospital stays, baby in nursery, bottlefed until
woman's
milk comes in. She theorised that it would give mother a chance to sleep,
recover from the birth, and remove the stress of a hungry baby unable to
feed.
Just doesn't gel to me.
Kate
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