Donna
You didn't say in your posting but I would warrant a guess that there
was L&D medication involved.  In addition to keeping the baby fed somehow
you need to help the baby latch on.  This doesn't mean pushing the baby's
head onto the breast.  It does mean continual (almost) skin to skin
contact.  The mother should spend several hours at a time laying on her
back with nothing on above the waist.  The baby should be face down with
only a diaper on, between the mother's breasts.  This often helps in a
few hours.  The other thing that the mom might try is a warm bath with
the baby.  This is safest when there is someone to help them in and out
of the tub.  If there is no one available to help then the following
technique can work.  Line an infant seat with a towel.  Baby is undressed
and put into the seat.  Put the seat on the floor next to the tub.  Mom
then gets into the tub and can lift the baby out of the seat and into the
tub.  Reverse on the way out.  This way the baby isn't being carried in
and out of the tub while the mother is also moving.  I used it many many
times with my babies and always felt safe.  I have also reccommended it
to many mothers over the years.

Sarah Friend Barnett, LLLL, IBCLC
Bronx (New York City), New York
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