Brigitte Ratliff

I really just think it's passion and a calling. I got into it because one of the labor and delivery nurses I worked with when I first started out told me I was very good at helping moms breastfeed, although I hadn't had a baby yet. Well, I did have a baby, but I struggled breastfeeding my first child, and if I just had some knowledge of what was going on at that time, being a brand new nurse, then I probably would have been successful with him. I see a lot of health differences between him and my other children, so I know it's important, and it just has made me even more passionate about it. My own personal struggle and seeing those health differences in my children drives everything I do now.

All behavior has meaning behind it and that nursing is life-long learning. Sometimes just be a good listener or ask the parents to tell me more about why they're feeling the way they're feeling, rather than just saying 'this is normal' or being dismissive. Be their cheerleader, everyone needs one. Love and support them where they're at.

A mentor can help provide advice and support. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Supporting breastfeeding with evidence- based practice. I would tell them to educate the patient and support them. Never assume they know the benefits of breastfeeding. If they ask to supplement, ask if they need help with breastfeeding and provide support and reassurance. A lot of moms do feel like they don't know if babies are getting enough, and you need frequently remind them about the feeding frequency, the output, all the basic education. The short time patients are in the hospital they have a hard time retaining all the information. Educating staff is an ongoing process. Make sure patients have outpatient support.

The biggest challenge is formula. Formula and the availability of free formula, the advertisement of formula that it is similar to breastmilk are misleading. Misleading claims makes it seem like it's better or equivalent to breast milk. Some moms think that if they don't introduce formula, they won't be able to get formula from WIC. If people really knew how breastfeeding affects the microbiome - we know with preterm infants, it's a must that they have breast milk or donor milk because their guts can necrotize. So why aren't we preaching to moms with healthy babies how important it is for their gut health? Because our gut health affects everything in life. Another challenge is trying to train the younger generation and even younger moms about how important breastfeeding is, and not to always do what's easy. I often remind them this is free medicine - it can prevent type 1 diabetes, obesity allergies, ear infections, respiratory infections and it can prevent certain childhood cancers. But I also have to be supportive to the mom that just can't breastfeed, without her feeling guilty. Patients are in the hospital for less time now, so if they're only there for 24 hours, it's hard for them to retain all the information.

Respectful care is essential on the happiness and health of both the mother and child. I am here to serve my patients as if they are one of my family members. Just serving and loving people with compassion and ensuring safe care. Providing evidence-based practice while advocating for my patients. Collaboration with the health care team and the parents feeding plans and supporting them. Inpatient and/or outpatient support as well - it's a journey and it takes knowing someone's always there to support you. I show Jesus love by telling them I'm proud of them and being available. You'd be surprised how many people light up when you tell them that you're proud of them! They may have never heard those words before. Hopefully, my patients will support other women in their life to breastfeed and cheer them on. I support those moms with their informed decision not to breastfeed by providing non-judgmental support and education on safe formula preparation and breast care.