Attention LC's and nurses who assist with breastfeeding

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Specializes in Maternity.

I need help dealing with a physician who is not only uniformed about breastfeeding but obviously dislikes breastfeeding. He is a neonatologist that also covers normal newborns that do not have a pediatrician that practices at our hospital. He claims that the Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) can cause aspiration and will not let us use them on his babies. I'm looking for research or data confirming or disproving his opinion. He thinks bottles are fine and breastfeeding should be delayed for a month. I'm trying to work with thus Doc and ply him with evidenced based research. I have never heard of an issue with an SNS. Of course there are risks with the use of any tool, treatment or method but this seems ridiculous to me. Any information, suggestions or direction will be greatly appreciated. TIA!

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Wow, what is his rationale for delaying breastfeeding? Is this with term or prem babies? I have also never heard of aspiration risks with an SNS if it is used correctly, maybe he had an experience where it wasn't and it coloured his view? With the bottles, does he use formula or expressed breast milk - if it's formula you can always point out all the evidence about breastmilk being better. Does your hospital have BFHI accreditation? In Australia (where I work) once hospitals get this they have fairly strict policies that the staff have to follow, though this is not helpful if your hospital doesn't have it. Sorry not really sure what else I can suggest.

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Specializes in hospice.

Wow. Dr. Dumbass. I think I'd have a hard time not calling him that to his face.

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Specializes in OB.

I'm baffled as to how a woman could "delay" breastfeeding for a month (pump in the meantime? Or just hope that there will still be a milk supply by then..???)

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Specializes in Maternity.

He chooses not educate himself. He is a very difficult physician with a lot of power. Of course what he believes is idiotic but I need facts to back me up for other physicians and administrators...

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Specializes in OB.

That stinks, I'm so sorry you have to deal with that. As for research about SNS, that's sort of tough as well, because I've never heard of any risk of aspiration related to SNS, so I don't know if there would be studies out there even addressing it, you know?

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Specializes in Maternity.
That stinks, I'm so sorry you have to deal with that. As for research about SNS, that's sort of tough as well, because I've never heard of any risk of aspiration related to SNS, so I don't know if there would be studies out there even addressing it, you know?

Yes I know..perhaps that in of itself is the answer. Here it is IBCLC day and I'm feeling really discouraged...

Thanks for responding

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

That is a tough one, because unless someone on the same level is willing to take him on, it is an uphill

battle. The only thing we aren't allowed to use is a cup. I wish you

luck!

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Specializes in MedSurg Hospice.

I hope you have a strong lactation services dept/lactation specialist where you all work. They will set him straight no matter how large and empty his ego tends to be.

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Specializes in OB.

Hugs to you, and happy belated IBCLC day!

To the previous poster, I'm pretty sure from previous posts that the OP is the solo IBCLC at a very backwards institution, and is constantly having to fight these battles :-(

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Specializes in Maternity.

Right now it's only me. The other IBCLC just went PRN. Yes. It's an uphill battle but I don't give up easily though 😉

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

I'll try to do a real search when I'm off my phone a little later. I do remember reading research where preemies have longer length of stay and poorer weight gain when using SNS. I believe I also remember some research on aspiration in preemies getting cup feeding. Probably what this neonatologist is thinking about.

Preemies are just a whole different world. I'm nearly a "lactivist" at work, but the thought of dribbling milk down the throat of an infant with an immature suck/swallow/breathe gives me the chills. Term kids are very different. But by term, I really mean >37-38 weeks.

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