RE: [ozmidwifery] blood gasses and other policies

[Ken Ward]

I hope she wrote to the CEO of the hospital.  She should make it VERY clear this time, in writing and I would put a big sign on the baby's cot.  Is she aware that she could take legal action? The threat is usually enough.  Women and midwives must take a stand because so many of the older midwives, and women still think it's ok to give a baby formula. On the other hand, a lot of mum's insist on comps even though the midwives discuss it stressing the importance of NOT giving formula. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of nunyara Sent: Monday, 16 October 2006 6:12 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] blood gasses and other policies Hi Barb   I had a client just last week for a pregnancy massage.  She is 31 weeks and this is her second child.  She breasted her first bub until she was about 18 months old.  However, she is TERRIFIED – not about the birth – but about her new baby being given formula whilst it is in hospital.  Apparently, this occurred with her first baby but without her knowledge and consent.  At the time, she was absolutely furious that this had occurred because she had let everyone know how very keen she was to breastfeed.  When she asked why this happened, she was given a variety of different reasons ranging from baby was hungry to a mere shrug of the shoulders.  She spoke to her obs about it and he did not seem to be concerned about “all the fuss”.  She couldn’t understand why no-one seemed to think it was an issue because it was – for her.  In fact, she got really angry while talking about it during the massage and then she started crying – still upset after almost 3 years!!!   Ramona Lane Nunyara Healing   From: owner-ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au [mailto:owner-ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au] On Behalf Of Barbara Glare & Chris Bright Sent: Sunday, 15 October 2006 9:43 AM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: [ozmidwifery] blood gasses and other policies   HI,   Interesting conversation about blood gasses. I frequently get reports from mothers and health professionals that they gave birth in a Baby friendly hospital, or a hospital with clear policies on breastfeeding, but that babies are given infant formula often without their parents consent, or not with their parents INFORMED consent.  This always intrigues me greatly.  There seem to be no repercussions for staff who go against breastfeeding policies.  Reasons I have heard for staff giving babies formula when I've asked midwives why they gave a baby formula include "the other midwife told me the baby was hungry", we didn't want to disturb the mother etc. Mothers tell me they were told that staff didn't want to wake/disturb the mother - they knew she was tired.  Told she had no milk.  Told the baby was hungry and needed something. And, my personal favourite, "it's OK, at this hospital we give babies the formula that is closest to human milk"  Rarely are they told WHY the midwife thinks these things. These are babies who are well, don't even start me on babies in the nursery where parent's rights seem to go right out the window. Some parents I have spoken to are very upset and angry.  I wonder why breastfeeding policy is in a *different* category in most hospitals?  Do others find this?   Barb