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Infant feeding

HV actually advised me to keep on BF....

12 replies

Elsbells · 23/08/2007 17:06

Thought this was interesting as most HV's out there seeem to give crap advice. I explained to my HV today that my DD still can't draw my nipple into the right part of her palate (hence having to use shields and BF still sore) and that I had decided to stop BF at 3months (a couple weeks from now).

She admitted that she was no BF expert and couldn't explain why I was still having probs but told me to please call the NCT BF helpline to find out why DD still couldn't BF correctly before I stop BF (latch is good;had it checked numerous times and her tongue-tie was sorted 3 weeks ago now).

She went on how the NCT BF counsellors have 2 yrs training, are excellent and experts really re: BF and that with some help I may be able to continue.

I was really shocked as this is my 2nd DC and for the 1st time, was given sound advice from from a HP.

If only they were all like that.....

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MatNanPlus · 23/08/2007 17:10

Wow,

Glad you had a positive experince.

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Highlander · 24/08/2007 11:59


You should offically write and tell her, particularly if the NCT back up what she has said.
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MatNanPlus · 24/08/2007 12:11

A little written priase to her personally might encourage others there to buck their ideas up.

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tiktok · 24/08/2007 12:11

It's great when an HV knows her limitations, but really....it would be better if they could all increase their knowledge and sort mothers out without relying on volunteers....

That sounds churlish, and actually, a palate problem (if this is what it is) is maybe beyond the scope of a bfc to handle, as well, especially over the phone.

Els, have you tried the biological nurturing position and supporting your baby getting on herself?

I hope you get good help - probably in person, if you can.

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Elsbells · 24/08/2007 13:28

It is a shame that HV aren't trained themselves. I bet if they were, BF rates would definitely increase.

Tiktok, I will look into the palate issue and see if we can sort it out. Thanks for your advice, yet again, you really are a fountain of knowledge!

I may require a visit to a lactation consultant in person tho.

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MatNanPlus · 24/08/2007 17:58

Sorry for the hijack.

Tiktok could you explain / direct me to the biological nuturing position you mention?

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yelnats · 24/08/2007 18:01

My HV has also been really supportive - constantly [praising me and telling me how well ive done getting this far. She is fab - though she is also midwife and has worked in scbu so i imagine she would have plenty of experience.

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tiktok · 24/08/2007 18:07

MatNanPlus - am being yelled for by dh, so this is quick....best to google it, as there is a website all about it (don't forget the 'r' in 'nurturing' )

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MatNanPlus · 24/08/2007 19:48

TY Tiktok will do

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MatNanPlus · 24/08/2007 19:52

Have stored the site and read the 'how to' like the breast crawl' video i saw.

Thank you for taking the time to reply and expand my knowledge.

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twocutedarlings · 24/08/2007 20:52

Hi Elsbells,

I fed my DD1 using Nipple sheilds until she was 4 mths old, i had also planned to give up but decided to keep going a few more weeks,

To my suprise and HV's DD just changed over night no problems latching on and i continued to BF her until she was 18mth old !!

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twocutedarlings · 24/08/2007 20:55

Sorry just read my post what i wanted to say was, we no longer needed nipple shields from DD being 4mths old.

Hope that make sense, lol

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