Hi Kristi,
In my experience, robust lactation is easy to derail. Maybe those moms have
a borderline milk-making capability anyway, or a borderline hormonal milieu,
or something. But I see it often. There are usually several factors on the
maternal and infant side of things, adding up to big production problems.
Your client definitely had risk factors: 37 wks gestation and I am assuming
induction, which tells me even more baby was not 'ready' yet. HELLP
syndrome, in which mothers are usually very sick, and as you said with
swelling and bleeding. I cannot imagine she was able to breastfeed right
away, and possibly the early feedings were ineffective. I have also seen
several mothers with serious illness like that, whose bodies just sort of
'shut down' except to get through the critical illness.
I would not expect the milk to 'kick in' rather suddenly, at this late date.
But I would expect the milk supply could be increased as per the usual
protocols of frequent, effective feeding, babymooning/babywearing, extra
expressing, and galactagogues. In the meantime, supplement as needed as you
are doing with the SNS.
I am so glad to hear she is healthy now.
Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
Mississippi USA

             ***********************************************

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