I would like to second Janet Simpson's request for medical abbreviations to
be explained or avoided. I would also like *local* abbreviations explained
- like HMO. I think I know what you are meaning but I don't know what the
letters actually stand for. There are others like this from time to time
which us *foreigners* (to North America) are unfamiliar with.

Janet also asked about nursing frequency of toddlers. I agree with
Katherine that there is no such thing as an average toddler in this
respect. There is a huge variation in the number of times a toddler may ask
to be fed, but each feed is often very short. When each of my babies was
about 2 years, they had several to lots of *quick sucks* each day depending
on the opportunities - less if we were out and busy. Towards the time of
his total weaning, my son would climb up for a feed, to suck about twice
before thinking of something more interesting to do! I cannot even remember
at what age he had his last feed. The *need* to be fed in a toddler is much
more likely an emotional need than a nutritional one, if the child is
eating lots of solids. I felt with my son that he wanted to know that it
was there, for his security feelings, but that he didn't really want any
milk. So although they may have many feeds in the day, the total time spent
feeding is nowhere like it was when they were young. New mothers often
worry that if they don't wean by a few months that they will be feeding for
hours every day even when the babies grow into toddlers. You can also
reason with toddlers (sometimes) and tell them that they can have a feed as
soon as you get home, etc. (Make sure you keep the promise!) or use
distractions (like a drink bought while out and drink it like a big kid).
Hope this helps you and your WIC clients, Janet.

I also wanted to comment about breast binding. The concept seems to have
stirred up strong negative feelings with many Lactnetters. It seems to be a
case of interpretation. Some feel that *binding* is an inappropriate term.
Breasts that are overfull can be comfortably supported and lifted by a
piece of material referred to as a binder. NMAA makes a special top called
a "Cool-a-bra" which serves the same purpose. Ice packs or cabbage leaves
are often used in conjuction with these. These methods of *breast binding*
are not uncomfortable. I had this happen to me when engorged with my first
baby - in fact they helped a great deal, while the engorgement was being
resolved and my normal bras wouldn't fit. Some mothers who have had
stillbirths, etc and wish to dry up their milk quickly also find them very
useful. I presume to most of you the term conjures up binding the breasts
so tightly as to cause back pressure, which is supposed to reduce milk
production, or something similar. I don't think this is the case
everywhere. Just thought I would put the other side to you all.

Joy Anderson IBCLC
Perth, Western Australia