In my opinion, :)

Because we do not have any documentation of any kind (I'm sure that if
some exists someone here would have posted by now) showing that any
particular age is associated with a decline in the ability to lactate,
it is poor practice to undercut any woman's confidence by suggesting
that she may experience any degree of failure due to her age.  If and
when any actual studies are done on this subject and if the results show
a relationship, then it will be appropriate to "warn" our older moms.

We warn moms who have had breast reduction surgery, we warn moms who
show abnormal breast development, etc. because we know that there is
evidence showing that clearly there is a relationship between these
conditions and the ability to lactate sufficiently.  Because we know how
detrimental negative, unsupportive comments are to a mom's success in
breastfeeding, it would certainly not be in her best interests, and that
of the baby's(ies'), to do anything other than to answer that "There is
no clinical evidence showing a relationship between a mother's age and
her ability to lactate, and we know of many 'older' mothers who have had
no difficulty at all."

We all know how often our job consists of being "cheerleaders", and
suggesting possible, but unlikely, obstacles is completely contrary to
that important role.  I believe that it is a real shame for any person,
especially one who has the ability to reach many vulnerable women, to
plant this seed of doubt without a very compelling reason to do so.

OK, off that soapbox for awhile, whew!

From Denny Rice, RN, IBCLC, 40 year old mother of nursing twins in
Dallas Texas USA where it is 82 degrees F. and sunny.  Is this January?

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