Depending on the extent of the injury the baby is experiencing, the shoulder, arm and/or hand might be weak, or lacking feeling, since this is what the nerve bundle, the brachial plexus does. Just off the top of my head is might mean carefully observing what the baby can and cannot do and help the mom work with that. For instance, most babies are often getting their hands in their way, whereas this baby's arm might be floppy, and need mom to actually position it for him. She may need to be aware of where it is, so that it is comfortably positioned by her or someone, if he lacks motion capability, and if sensation is involved, because he may not be able to feel it himself, and it could get cold, or have compromised blood supply. He also may not be able to cue as well with arm position or fisting, and she might have to rely on the other side. Usually the injury is one-sided. It might be good to ask if baby will be seen by a PT or OT and see if all can meet for a session to work with each other and give each other helpful hints on how to best help this mom and baby. **Hello Judy and others, Good description! I recognized the whole trauma from the description. I had a mom in my group a couple of years ago with a baby girl with this problem (Erbse Parese). It took a long time before the doctors decided it was probably not gonna get okay again. The mom was very brave, had nursed her first after being in my group and was determined to breastfeed again. And she did! Just a few months ago, I met her in the supermarket and asked her how they were all doing. The girl was fine!! Mobility of the severed arm had improved spontaneously after a long, long time, when noone was expecting it anymore. It was not back to 100%, but close. Mom said she was so happy to have breastfed, because feeding caused her to constantly play with her daughter's arm, which did a lot for the little one regaining strength. So, by any means, Regina: help the mom to keep her baby at breast and empower her! Even after a long time, things can still change for the better. Good support for the baby is important and good support for the mom as well, each in its own form. ;o) Warmly, Marianne Vanderveen IBCLC ;o), Netherlands *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome