Hospital Lactation Consultants

[RNIBCLC]

Hi all,

I'm new to allnurses. I have 27 years of L&D, mother baby, nursery experience. In addition I have been an IBCLC for 17 years. I have been previously working in a progressive hospital system that is working toward baby friendly designation. I now am in a different system that is so behind in breastfeeding support that my jaw is often on the floor. Physicians are uneducated and believe every baby should get formula just because. Nurses are pushing formula and bottles out of ignorance and fear. The are a few other LC's that are so worn down and just trying to keep their head above water trying to support breastfeeding mothers. This is all new to me. I am looking for other LC's and nurses that have or are dealing with this situation. Any suggestions on how to start getting this place heading in a better direction? This hospital does want to become baby friendly and have hired me to help. Just overwhelmed.....

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

You definitely have a challenge on your hands. You need to pull all the staff together and really identify the reasons they are not motivated to help with breastfeeding. It could be fear, ignorance or even staffing issues. What are their ratios like? Do they have the support they need? Going by your posts it sounds like they are not supported by physicians. Pull you EBP articles, and whatever educational tools you have to assist them. Get your current LCs rejuvenated so they can help staff as much as possible. It'll take a lot of time and effort but hopefully you see some changes.

[AZwannabe]

Having someone come in from the outside can make a huge difference in attitude. Can you get someone from your state/county health department to discuss evidence-based maternity care practices? Try implementing the Can Do 5! /AZ Baby Steps to Breastfeeding Success if they won't look at Baby Friendly. Good luck

[RNMSN51]

Thanks for your suggestions!

[duskyjewel]

And people want to call me a liar when I tell them that breastfeeding mothers are undermined in the hospital. I'm just gonna bookmark this for later use....