why do lactation consultants seem to push formula in the hospital?

[Peanut1207]

When I was in the hospital my LC tried to push formula. My baby hadn't eaten in awhile and had a terrible latch and instead of trying to help get the latch right she went and got a pump and formula (the other LC was horrified when she later found out too...)! Being a first time mom I didn't really know any better so I went along with it...later that evening I was upset and crying. My DH and I decided we would never be bullied into something we didn't want again...we learned our lesson early at least. Now my friend has a newborn and the same thing happened to her. Her baby had a difficult time latching at first and her LC also supplemented with formula. Whats the deal? Aren't LCs supposed to be supporting BFing...it would've been so easy for both of us to just switch over right then and give up. We were both determined to BFso it didn't matter. But what the hell? As a successfully nursing mama now it infuriates me that this is happening! What can we do to change this trend? Did this happen to others? We both had c/sections, do you think that made a difference?

[madelsmama]

Liability concerns?? IDK, it seems like rotten advice in most situations and shouldn't be the standard of care.

Having a C-section wouldn't change anything. Perhaps you delivered at the same hospital or had the same LC?

Is she an IBCLC?

[Peanut1207]

It was rotten advice! 2 different hospitals, 2 different LCs. Mine was IBCLC, not sure about the other one. That being said, after dealing with her I went on to work with 2 great LCs and a nurse that wasn't an LC but could've been...she was amazing. None of them were supportive of the introduction of formula, they couldn't understand why it had happened and were supportive when I told them how frustrated I was. Hopefully this isn't the standard of care...I don't think it is but was just wondering.

[RedheadbyChoice]

I don't know of any LCs who would push formula---unless there are extreme circumstances, it's not warranted, and a good LC should know that. But then again, just like there are good and bad doctors, there are good and not so good LCs.

[Babyhellfire]

I have never known one to,
The LC in the hospital I had dd at seemed board,sadly.I was the only mom that has penned in "plans to breastfeed" in that section.
so,they actually put me in the room across from her office and she spent much of her time just hanging out in my room checking on us.
The nurses sometimes tried to push water,and binkys-but the LC was really cool.

[CaptHeather]

I had pretty bad latch problems with Johanna and she lost a significant amount of weight and was getting jaundiced. The LC had me pump after nursing and I'd give her whatever I could pump to top her off. Also, I used drops of formula on the nipple shield because Johanna wouldn't latch at all without it initially, but the shield didn't seem like "food" and so we were trying to convince her to nurse. I also supplemented a teeny tiny amount after each feed while I was pumping. I was a disaster until my milk came in and I was pumping enough to not need to supplement.

At the hospital where I delivered Kenneth and Sarah, the LCs are really excited about exclusive breastfeeding, but will recommend formula under specific circumstances when the baby's health is declining due to massive weight loss, poor latch, and other such scenarios. Sometimes it's easier to correct poor latch when the baby isn't dehydrated or lethargic due to the effects of poor nutrition caused by their bad latch.

[DecemberBaby]

It has to be liability. She cant send you home if the baby has lost over 10% or close to it of their body weight and has not latched on. SHe has to get you to 1. pump and finger feed.or. 2. finger feed formula or 3. make an appointment with your pedi upon discharge for that day or the next. If it almost time for discharge they have to document that child has eaten.

But first and foremost they should try everything to get your latch corrected. The LC at my hospital hardly ever gives formula. SHe gets mighty mad if you do. She is known as the "Breastfeeding Nazi".

I just think it is liability these days. Really!

[Prettyskittle82]

My LC did the same thing when he was eating enough. She said that he would want more milk if he knew what a full stomach was.... And I think there is a certain amount of time that need to try to have the baby fed, and are scared of letting the baby lose too much weight.

We supplemented a couple of times in the beginning.... I felt bad, though, and was so happy when my milk came in full force because after the formula he would double over in pain. I hated that.

I didn't know any better, and he was jaundiced. That scared me.

[Beautifuldisaster2003]

im sorry they pushed formula on you when you didnt want it.
it was never pushed with us, just offered it and left some just in cause in the room. we did need it, as he lost a few ounces and was getting jaundiced. he didnt have the energy to nurse.