In a message dated 2/2/2006 2:15:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time: doctor says: << ....shouldn't take herbal supplements (MM+, goat's rue) to increase her low milk supply because they are not approved by the FDA. >> you ask: <<......how can I word things?>> use caring body language so she knows for sure that you care, so she will hear you better. Some options: Start with something positive about the mom and the doctor: "I am glad to hear that you are discussing this issue with your baby's doctor, I am glad he shared some information with you" ask her "how do you feel about the doctor's advice?", this can guide you to what should come next......... ......address her feelings, ie: "your concern and confusion means you are being a good mom - it's a tough job sometimes, and you are getting good at it already" then......."and the doctor is correct concerning the FDA and herbal supplements,......In fact, many products are not approved by the FDA, including formula".... "what options did the doctor give you for increasing your milk supply?" -or- "did the doctor give you some options for increasing your milk supply?" .......if you wanted to be bold and blunt:..."here is a list of the risk of formula, feel free to share this list with the doctor", this could be construed to be too confrontational - depends on how you think the doc would react, your goal being to come out of this on even better standing with the doc, so tread appropriately depending on variables, ...and as you say, mom is using 2/3aim, so this may be too much for her to take without being put-off. either way, continue....."by using proven strategies and techniques to increase your milk supply you are doing so much to maximize the amount of breastmilk your baby receives, ....every drop counts and benefits your baby greatly" -and/or- "by using proven strategies and techniques to increase your milk supply you are doing much to minimize/decrease the amount of formula your baby receives" .....and maybe: "and if you had any concerns about the disadvantages or risks of formula, those are also decreased", ...ie; if she has ever mentioned disadvantages of formula feeding, add something like: " you have been concerned about winter illnesses, all the breastmilk your baby gets helps to protect her from getting sick and getting severely sick, ...the more breastmilk she gets, the more protection she gets." "Because I know that you care so much about doing the best for your baby I want to assure you that the advise options I offer you are research based practices that are widely accepted by lactation specialist worldwide, ...here are some resources...<<"I have numerous references on herbal galactagogues including, Hale, Humphrey's book, conferences>> to share with you so that you can make an informed decision that you feel is best, share these with the doctor if you feel that would be helpful, ...you are the mom, you are already becoming skilled at seeking and getting information, opinions, and options that will benefit your baby, ....you will be able to decide what is best for your baby" Debbie Tobin RN BSN IBCLC LCCE Fairfax County, Virginia suburbs outside the Washington DC beltway *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html