Jean,
Your answer maybe the correct answer to the problem of oversupply.. Your
response is analytical and probably makes sense to most people.

"Instead of hunger, it is just as often probably due to overdistending the
stomach, or lactose imbalance, or cold stress....In response to their
misinterpretation they often feed the baby too much, too soon, and too fast,
even if fully breastfed."

I am afraid to say that I tell parents the opposite of what you say.  I say
to the parent don't analyse, don't look at the clock, assume the baby wants
to nurse.  Don't hesitate, don't change the diaper (new parents spend more
time fiddling with diapers), just nurse.

Breastfeeding is not just a food delivery system and I believe when we assume
that this system is just a feeding system we really mess that system up.  Do
we really know that the baby is not hungry?  Does abdominal distress mean
denial of comfort--comfort at the breast?  Won't must infants refuse to
nurse, when they don't want to nurse?  How do we know when it is too soon to
feed?  This supply system is driven by infant demand.  When we try to take
control of the system, then we actual change the system from infant demand to
mother or LC control.  Will that work?

We all have different perceptions and I guess most people perceive that we
can know what the infant needs and wants.  Thus, we can interpret infant
behavior and mold breastfeeding into a workable solution for the mother.  But
aren't we defeating ourselves since this system is mostly driven by infant
demand?
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC



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