Are "Baby Friendly" hospitals dishonoring cultural diversity

[HeartsOpenWide]

I am in totally agreement that breast is best. But also am a big fan of cultural competence. I am not too familiar with baby friendly hospitals, but it is my understanding that they only give formula on very rare occasions such as a sick baby. But what about respecting different cultures? A large majority of Hispanic women breast and bottle feed. Some American Indians believe that colostrum is dangerous to baby and will bottle feed until milk comes in, there are many other cultures that have different beliefs on breastfeeding than what Baby Friendly hospitals would "allow" (http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/BreastFeeding/Documents/MO-EthnicDescriptions.pdf). How do Baby Friendly hospitals honor other cultures?

[jesskalpn]

Is breast milk best for baby? Absolutely, but what is even better is a loving mom who is able to make parenting work in her life as she sees her and her childs' needs. Better yet is when we have a society where moms don't have to worry about feeling "weird" BFing in publice because someone might look at them funny or about bottle feeging in public because someone might be around the corner ready to lecture us on how we are abusing our children by doing what we feel is best for our own families. Everyone's story is different and you don't need to know what their story is. Have enough respect to assume that they have one and that, if provided the proper education, that they have made the best decision for themselves and STAY OUT OF IT!

[tymatt2]

i think everyone needs to take a minute and relax.

i am a ob nurse at a baby friendly hospital and this is taken directly from our website:

baby-friendly care focuses on keeping the mom and baby together. this practice helps to stabilize the baby more quickly, enhances bonding between mom and baby and supports successful breastfeeding. [color=#663366]these practices include:

• minimal separation of mother and baby
  
• sacred hour after delivery for undisturbed bonding
  
• skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth
  
• rooming in 24 hours a day
  
• no pacifiers given to breastfeeding babies
  
• all staff trained in breastfeeding support
  
• ongoing support available after discharge
  
• education of families on bonding with baby
  

we do have formula for moms that choose to do so, we just do not take the freebies from the formula companies. not one nurse at my hospital makes anyone feel bad for chosing formula.

prior to coming to ob i worked in public health with the wic program. i can tell you with 100% certainty that if a mom wants to breastfeed she will and if she doesn't she will do formula. she will not breastfeed if her wic is in danger of being cut, she will formula feed and find the money from somewhere.

this breastfeeding debate ranks right up there with the stay home or work issue. you have to do what is right for you and your family, period, period, end of discussion.

as nurses, we are impartial and support our patients with their decision and if you are trying to persuade them, you are in the wrong profession.

[cbabynurse]

I'm aware that Hispanic moms often think of their colostum as being dangerous & that they prefer to bottlefeed until their milk comes in. I usually bend over backwards to respect other cultures & beliefs... so long as there isn't a reason NOT to respect their beliefs. However, education is a part of our job. In the of case waiting until the milk is in the patient may never GET enough milk in. Over the years I've known of many babies who were readmitted for dehydration and/or jaundice because their moms thought their milk had come in, but it wasn't enough since there wasn't any stimulation prior. We also need to reinforce the need for the antibodies. The key is to use a competent interpreter & to speak with the moms in a non-judgemental way. Explain that you know they want what's best for their babies.