Hi to all.  I had such a sweet couple come in to see me today.  The wife has
worsening sx of Graves disease, and endocrinologist is urging she have
ablation.  This will necessitate a weaning of her 8 mo. old ad lib nursing,
co-sleeping daughter.  The parents are so worried about the emotional
effects of not just the weaning but of the lack of contact between mother
and child during the time the radioactivity is intense.  I told this couple
all I could about how to make the weaning gentle, shared all I had in terms
of refs. on Graves, etc.  But the hard part for me was trying to counsel
them about the forced separation.  They would really love to talk with
someone else who has experienced such an event -- esp. to ask how the child
managed.  They wonder whether it would be best for mother to go away for a
while, or if it would be easier for her to stay even if she can't hold or
comfort baby.  Anybody have anything they can offer in the way of support
for these heartbroken people?  If you have someone they can contact by
e-mail, contact me privately.  Other suggestions, please post to the list.
Thanks!
Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html