> Cathy,
> I wonder if a lot of the problems we see with hyperlaction, low supply,
> slow-gaining babies, etc comes from the "flavor-of-the-month" way of timing
> feeds. It used to be the nurse for 5 minutes scenario that left moms engorged
> and babies hungry, then it was the nurse for 15 miutes on both sides which
> left some babies overfed on lactose and some undefed period and now it's the
> nurse on one side until finished which leaves mothers unsure what "finished"
> means.
>   It is true that mothers ask us for these answers and so we look hard at the
> literature and the moms we see and try to find an answer, but, just as with
> anything else, the most commonly useful answer for some moms is going to cause
> problems for other moms. The problem is that most moms are not willing, if
> they are even able, to follow their instincts, and so they follow the "rule",
> even when we only intend it to be a guideline.

Jennifer, I agree entirely, I think you've emphasised how important it is to
assess each mothers need for "type of information and advice" on an
individual basis. Not all mums can follow instincts (sadly) and need
quantifiable guidelines. For these mums we need to take great care about how
we provide these guidelines so as to avoid iatrogenic problems such as you
have outlined.

Cathy Fetherston

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