Finding time for breastfeeding assist

[Tonyac303]

I work in a very small OB dept. We delivery approx 300-324 a year and take some GYN patients as well. We are a locked unit and only staffed with 2 RN's, no ward clerk or tech. When we have a delivery both RNs are in the room with no staff at the desk unless the house supervisor can help out. The door needs to be answered and opened along with the phone ringing which maybe another patient coming to you in labor.

My question to everyone is how do you find time for helping these moms breastfeed. We have a part-time LC but she is only here for a few hours a day and never on the weekends.

There are many times when we are busy and try to help out but many of these moms want you to sit at the bedside the whole while they are feeding. Many don't listen while you are trying to help then get frustrated when the baby doesn't latch.

I'm in need of some suggestions to help with this. Adminstration says "let the phone ring if you are with a patient. The patient comes first." How do you not answer the phone when it may be a patient in labor or a DR calling over a patient from the clinic.

[cassie77775]

I work postpartum so typically have 4 couplets. Usually 2 of those are breast feeding, sometimes all 4. I make time to go in at feeding time and show them the highlights. I latch baby showing them how to get baby to open wide, how to position baby and breast, etc. usually takes about 10-15 mins if its a difficult to wake baby. After that, I expect mom to use those tools and get baby on herself. About 75% of the time, they can but sometimes we still have kinks to work out and you just have to find he time.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

It is very hard to find the time to help with breastfeeding. There are many factors that can affect the baby's latch. I usually give them the basics and assist when I have time. There are times when I'm dealing with higher priorities, and I just have the mom pump or supplement if the baby hasn't eaten in a long time. It is very hard and I can never predict how the shift is going to turn out. Just do your best and remember to prioritize. Most babies don't read the breastfeeding book, lol.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

I always feel bad when I have a new BFing mom paired with a super sick kid... the poor mom is on her own if the lactation crew aren't around. And I wish women did more reading about BFing! Most seem to think Jr is just going to jump on and it is going to be all good

[rnme2013]

We have a 1:4 couplet ratio. As soon as I can after admission, I teach moms how to hold baby, perform hand expression (which really encourages them when they see they have milk). I get the significant other involved in the teaching and have them practice with me in the room. We are also fortunate to have lactation consultants on the unit and we offer a breast feeding class that we invite our moms to attend.