Dear Friends,
In my process of educating myself about BFAR, I am also trying to
learn the most encouraging way for a LC to discuss supply with new
mothers. I have been around 1 mom who BFAR that had total supply,
no supplements needed, a second who felt that it was "too little
candy for a nickle" and chose to quit bf when her baby started the
need for supplementation. A third mom who I met in the hospital and
gave her what I thought was my best... "we won't know until you
try", and that "bf isn't just about the milk" and informed her that
it was possible to supplement at the breast. Unfortunatly I never
heard back from her. So my question is... how do I encourage
without ignoring the fact that many BFAR are unable to produce a
full supply? Is that where "Defining you own success" comes into
play? Unfortunatly, I won't have time to purchase and read this
book before I meet with a prenatal client next week.
This is where I am right now, please let me know if I'm off base, or
you have other things to add.
1. Encourage the mindset of the little engine that could... "I think
I can, I think I can"
2. Start with the best latch possible, with optimal positioning to
assist in effective milk removal, encouraging frequent feedings-watching
baby cues.
3. Learn to identify at the breast when baby is drinking (suck pause
ala J. Newman)
4. Utilize breast compression when no longer drinking
5. Switch breasts when no longer drinking.
6. Encourage frequent evening and night time nursings to increase
prolactin receptor formation, thus increasing supply
If the above things don't work in the first 4 - 5 days...
1. Add galactoguges (Fenugreek, blessed thistle, Reglan, Oatmeal
etc)
If within 3 more days we are not seeing a dramatic change in supply
that is transferable, then start supplementation? That just seems
like a long time with potentially no food for the baby. If we could
see manual expression of milk in those first days I think I would be
less likely to want to supplement. (thinking out loud). What about
daily weights or test weights with feedings?? Would this just add to
the stress/performance anxiety, or would it give us more concrete
info?
Do I wait to find out that the baby needs supplementation before I
discuss methods of giving it? I have only seen Lact-Aid used once,
and seen the SNS out of the box. I do have videos of J. Newman with
his home made device, that I can show. I have purchased some of
each, to have on hand in case it's needed for a multitude of
reasons.. not just BFAR.
I don't want to overload this mom in the beginning, but want her to
have the knowledge to make appropriate choices for her situation.
I would appreciate your guidance.
Brenda
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