I'm sorry I don't have a citation, as I believe it was personal
experience by the Jelliffes reported by them during one of my courses
with them at UCLA. But, anecdotally and second-handed, I'll share what I
recall, as I think it may be helpful for this Romanian teen mom (and for
any mom who needs to boost her nutrition in a cost-effective
non-refrigerated manner, especially important for homeless moms).

During the first famine in Somalia (early 70s?) when WHO/UNICEF were
trying to help prevent the high numbers of infant deaths resulting from
the famine, they initially tried to provide ABM supplement. This, of
course lead to weaning and death in this situation. The famine, you see,
was so severe, that breastfeeding mothers were unable to make sufficient
milk, because they themselves were in a severe starvation state.

Then the agencies changed tactics, and supplemented *THE MOTHER* with a
single 2-ounce high-protein granola bar every day. The positive
difference in milk production was astonishing apparently. The extra
nutrition was not enough to get mom out of starvation-mode but evidently
allowed her to begin providing milk again.

The advantages of the granola bar were far superior to ABM, as
refrigeration, clean water, bottles/teats etc. were major difficulties
in the equatorial, refugee camp conditions.

Coincidentally, the Jelliffes reported to us that the milk from these
starving mothers was significantly altered in composition (i.e., greater
immunities, altered nutritional balance) in a manner that was especially
protective of that specific environment  that the baby was in  - mom's
body adapted in its protectiveness toward her baby. Not a surprise to us
savvy people now, but a major, remarkable observation then. There is
much to learn from the third world.

My heart goes out to this 15 year old street girl and her baby, and to
the many more moms like her worldwide.

Katharine West, BSN, MPH
Sherman Oaks, CA