This is a great letter to help explain your wishes at a hospital. Remember that even in the hospital YOU HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL over what happens to your baby and you.

I personally would change a couple things if I were using this letter (like nursing the baby every 90 minutes, not every 1 1/2 to 3 hours). The website is for Dr. Jack Newman who is also a LLL advisor. He has some really good video clips of nursing babies, using breast compressions, and using an SNS.

This is a link with 101 reasons to breastfeed and some free clipart. (Some of the clipart that is included are ones for no pacifier and no bottle, like the traffic signs).

http://www.promom.org/101/index.html


Dear Nurse,

If I am a healthy full-term baby, please don't give me any water bottles, formula, or pacifiers.

I eat "on cue" or every 1 - 3 hours, whichever comes first, daytime and nighttime.

I may be allowed to sleep one 4 - 5 hour period at night if I have already had 8 feedings that day.

My mom allows bunching (frequent feedings) whenever I want.

My mom feeds me from both breasts at each feeding for as long as I want. If my latch-on and positioning are correct, my mom won't become sore.

My mom understands that I need to eat 8 - 12 times in 24 hours.

Please don't separate me from my mom for long periods of time unless it is medically necessary. I have been with my mom a long time and want to stay with her.



___________________________________________________ Mother's Signature

___________________________________________________ Baby's Name