I could use some wisdom here. Extreme breastfeeding advocate needs
immediate help and I need your wisdom. She is a retired LLLL, CLE,CLD and
CCE and dear friend. This is birth #4, she has successfully nursed all 3
prior babies, has tandem nursed as well. All the births have had some kind
of trauma - 1st was c-section, second breech, third vaginal with hemerage
and this one was a normal - though short (3 and a half hour, with 11
minutes of pushing) homebirth with hemerage after and manual extraction of
uterus. I was the doula for the birth. She had to transport to the
hospital for fluids, pitocin, methrogan and finally a D&C. Baby probably
spent 7-10 hours away from mom after birth before getting a really good
nursing but then she nursed like a champ. She lost A LOT of blood. Iron is
low and she is still weak. They almost gave her blood at the hospital but
decided not to. Has been in bed all week (baby is 5 days old) except day
two to go to the GP for baby check-up. She has been drinking barley green
and has exemplary eating habits. She is naturally tall and thin.

Baby was born 10lbs, 10oz., now weighing 10lbs 5 oz. She is superparanoid
that she is not making enough milk. Baby is wetting and stooling and has
milk drops at the corners of her mouth when done nursing. Mom hears and
observes swallowing and a content baby post feeds. Baby is nursing often -
every hour to every 2 and a half. Nurses all night (co-sleeps). This baby
is 3 lbs larger than any of the others were at birth. Mom is feeling let
downs and fullness in the breast. Mom is not getting more than a few
ounces when pumping but I don't see that as an accurate indication of milk
supply, imho.

Anything she needs to do in order to establish her milk supply? She is
afraid that her body is too traumatized to make the milk her baby needs
and she may never catch up. Any stories, words of wisdom,essential tips -
anything that may help her to get through this time and not loose hope.
She will not starve her baby but she will also probably not give formula.
She would probably have friends pump for her or use a milk bank before
formula. I just don't know if that is something she should be looking at.
Please help me reassure her or give a realistic picture.

Sorry to be so long, just wanted to give a full picture. Feel free to
respond on list or privately if it would be more appropriate.
Thank you,
Micky Jones

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