In a message dated 2/19/1 7:33:34 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:
<< She had an emergency c-section after pushing for 3 hours. Baby was
full-term and healthy, but mom was told she could not nurse because she "lost
a lot of blood." >>
Sometimes mothers who have had extensive blood loss do have difficulty bf.
Sometimes they don't. I am assuming from your post that this mom did not have
an opportunity to try. I worked w/ one mom whose blood loss was very severe
(this can be subjective as well--how much is "a lot"?). Anyway, I saw her at
home, so it must have been 4 or 5 days pp (was a few years ago). She was told
by her midwife to take liquid chloryphyll, which was my first experience with
how quickly this food can rebuild blood and restore energy. We had mom put
baby to breast and pump. She supplemented the baby with an SNS, using her own
milk when she had it. She was well cared for by a very loving dad and her own
mom. She did achieve a full milk supply within a fairly short time.
<<Has anyone been successful in helping a 3 week postpartum mom relactate?>>
Yes, this is really not terribly difficult.
<< What does it entail?>>
Mostly committment from the mom and stimulation of the breast, preferably by
the baby. I never assume any mother/baby couple cannot bf. As I said, I have
found an SNS, pumping work well, but have also used other alt. feeding. It
all depends on what the baby is willing to do at the breast. Co-bathing,
co-sleeping, rebirthing, baby-wearing--basically being an opportunist at the
breast all help.
<< Most importantly, is there a delicate way of approaching the subject? >>
How about something like:
"It sounds as if you are very disappointed that you are not bf'ing your baby.
Sometimes moms who experience blood loss such as you did have a very
difficult time bf. That may be why you were advised not to try, but many
times bf is still easily established. Even after a few weeks of
bottle-feeding, while it might take more work, it is still possible to bf. If
you think you might like to bf, I'd be happy to help". Something like that.
But, if you don't even offer, she will never have had the chance.
Also, this mom would be someone I would try to encourage to use herbs right
from the start. And Bach Flowers--rescue remedy, olive, elm and star of
bethlehem.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA
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