Leaders can also help a mother to view whatever breastfeeding relationship she has with her child as a success. As with adopted babies, sometimes success means partial breastfeeding. Helping a mother adjust her expectations can give her more realistic and achievable goals and go far toward boosting her self-esteem. Coping with the Hospital Environment Most physicians and hospital personnel now recognize the value of breastfeeding but they may not know how best to facilitate breastfeeding in the hospital environment. Leaders can listen to mothers talk about their situations with an open mind and be on the lookout for ways in which the hospital setting can be made more conducive to breastfeeding.
Creativity is the key.
The Leader can help the mother determine what, if anything, is hindering her efforts to breastfeed and brainstorm ways to overcome obstacles. The Leader can encourage a mother think of herself as part of the team responsible for her baby's care. Parents may be apprehensive about dealing with medical staff, especially when the baby requires a team of specialists. The Leader can reassure a mother of the critical importance of her presence to her baby. Taking care not to make the mother feel guilty about any unavoidable absences, the Leader can suggest ways to minimize separation.