Counseling Tips for Pile Sort Technique

Use these tips as background information for the statements. Client's thoughts may vary so there are no incorrect answers for the pile sort. Always affirm or acknowledge the client's feelings then, educate or dispel myths.

1. The Baby Likes the Breast

Most clients will see this statement as positive. They feel more confident about their ability to breastfeed if they believe the baby likes the breast over the bottle. Share: 1) Breastmilk has a distinct smell and sweet taste to encourage the baby to want to feed. 2) Breastfed babies learn to like the breast, bottle or any vessel that delivers food to them. 3) Preference for the breast or bottle nipple can develop at an early age.

Some clients will view the statement as negative if they equate liking the breast with sexual ideas or as something that belongs to their male partners. Those beliefs fail to understand nature's purpose for the breast.

2. Must Spend Time with the Baby

Some clients will view spending time with the baby as positive because breastfeeding will provide them more opportunities to feel close or bond to the baby.

Other clients may view spending time with the baby as a negative thing if they believe breastfeeding prevents other family members from helping with the baby's care. They believe they will be tied to the baby and not have time for other things. Share: It takes time and patience to feed a baby no matter which feeding method is used.

3. Makes the Baby Healthier

Regardless of their feeding decision, the majority of clients believe that breastmilk is best and will view a healthier baby as a positive thing about breastfeeding. However, they still choose formula feeding over breastfeeding because they have other concerns that they believe are a greater hurdle for them to overcome.

4. I Can't Go Out.

Some teenage pregnant clients believe that not being able to go out may be a positive thing to prevent them from falling back into old behaviors that resulted in them getting pregnant.

Clients who view the statement as negative believe that breastfeeding will tie them down, take too much of their time or be embarrassing if they have to nurse in public. Share: 1) Washing, preparing & properly storing bottles takes much more time than simply nursing the baby especially during night-time feedings. 2) There are many ways to combine breast and bottle-feeding during times when away from the baby. 3) Breastfeeding can be done discreetly by using a shawl, scarf or blanket or give expressed breastmilk by bottle.

5. Must Eat a Healthy Diet

Most clients will see this statement as negative because they believe they will have to be really careful with what they eat, give up their favorite foods or drink lots of milk. Inability to eat the right or perfect diet makes the client doubt that they can make good milk. Share: 1) The breast protects the quality of the milk so that every mother makes good milk for her baby. 2) Eating unhealthy foods will not make the breastmilk bad but can affect the mother's health. 3) Drinking milk is not required for mothers to produce milk; calcium and other nutrients can come from other foods & supplements.

6. It Spoils the Baby

Many clients view this statement as negative because they believe that breastfeeding encourages the baby to desire to want to be held or picked up too much resulting in spoiling. Share: 1) Babies cry because they have a need. 2) Spoiling is the neglect of needs not overindulgence 3) If babies are allowed to cry too long they lose trust in their caregiver, cry more and take longer to soothe. 4) Infants whose needs do not get satisfied grow into spoiled children who adopt techniques of whining, and temper tantrums to get what they want.

7. Other People Can't Feed Baby

Many clients would view this statement as a negative thing because they believe breastfeeding leaves out other family members if they see feeding as the only part of caring for a baby. Share: 1) Other family members can feed the breastfed baby from a bottle after mom and baby have learned to breastfeed well. 2) Most babies can feed from a bottle without interfering with breastfeeding after the second or third week of life. 3) There are many ways besides feeding to interact with the breastfed baby; bathing, playing, cuddling or talking to the baby will support the mother's efforts.

Some teen mothers might view this statement as a positive thing when they see breastfeeding as something only they can do for their baby. Often they have a need to feel acknowledged as the baby's mother from other dominating family members.

8. Makes Me Lose Weight

The majority of clients will view losing weight as a positive thing about breastfeeding. Though some clients have unrealistic expectations and feel disappointment if they don’t experience weight loss. Share: 1) Most mothers lose several pounds in the first month after delivery without any effort. 2) Some mothers continue to lose weight without caloric restrictions, others remain the same weight and a few mothers actually gain weight. 3) Weight loss may occur more easily after the first 2 to 3 months postpartum when the mother's hormonal levels change. 4) By controlling food portions, calories, and fat intake and increasing physical activity, most mothers can enjoy the weight loss benefits of breastfeeding.

9. Makes My Baby Love Me More

Clients who view this statement as a positive thing generally believe breastfeeding will help them bond and have a special close relationship with their baby.

Clients who view the statement as negative may believe that breastfeeding makes the baby overly dependent on the mother and may fear that she won't be able to leave the baby with other people. Share: Babies who get their needs met learn to be confident that their needs will be met. Those babies actually become more independent as they get older.

10. Makes Me Feel Good

Clients who view this statement as a positive thing believe they are choosing the best for their baby by breastfeeding.

Clients who view this statement as negative may fear that breastfeeding may make them have sexual type feelings. Share: 1) Breastfeeding is a normal process for women. 2) Women experience feelings of relaxation and calmness during nursing and that are different from feelings felt during intimacy.