Thank you, Rachel, for being super articulate as always!  

I do believe that breastfeeding is a "confidence trick" (think that came
from Dr Derrick Jelliffe?).  Empowering a woman and instilling confidence in
her ability to nurture and nourish her infant is probably the most valuable
thing we can do for her.  But knowledge is empowering.  So how much
information is necessary - when is it best shared - and when does it become
too much or undermining?  Anticipatory guidance is vital, but how far to go
without causing undue anxiety?

We use a "red flag" system.  A mother experiencing a huge blood loss
postpartum would be seen within 2 days of discharge for an in person
evaluation at our baby clinic.  All our mothers are seen within the first
week and usually once a week for the first month.  I can't imagine how
difficult it is without this safety net in place.

Jean Ridler  RN  RM  IBCLC
Cape Town

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