>
> Subject: Bf Not Working...
> Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 07:38:04 -0500
> From: Karen Foard <[log in to unmask]>
>
> Where else to go to but to you all for info, support, and sharing..
>
> We get used to being the saviorettes of sore nipples, the listening ear for
> sleep problems, the magic button pushers for some babes and moms...
>
> In the past 3 weeks I've had a run on discharges from the hospital of babies
> not suckling well at all at the breast. 3 of the 5 I can't seem to put my
> finger on why these babies can't get it together except to lump a whole
> combination of factors together. They all have shown that they CAN nurse-
> just not great yet. All 5 had gaining problems- 4 of 5 starting off at about
> 5 pounds, 3 moms with low supply, one who got it turned around but now her
> baby is preferring the bottle, one cephelahematoma (huge), 3 with subsequent
> jaundice, one smoker, 2 three week early babies, tube feeder not liked by
> those parents with babies with good latching but poor sustaining; stadol is
> being used more I am noticing at the hospital (3 moms/babes with it). Only
> one of these babies is now "doing it"- very persistent parents,  and great
> sadness on the part of the four who aren't--one is weaning, three are
> supplementing.
>
> I guess this is a whine post, a need-for-encouragement post, a genuine sense
> of confusion and sadness on my part that I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO BUT I
> CAN'T MOVE IN WITH YOU post,  and a wish for more sore nipples that today I
> feel at least adequate to handle...
>
> Got any "been there felt that" encouraging words for me?
>
> Karen Foard, IBCLC          State College, PA
>Dear Karen,

Yup, Been there, Done that!! and often feel the same frustrations you
describe.  I often find we're running specials of the week or month, 6
sections in a row, bunches of episiotomies when we usually do 3 or 4,
and groups of babies who give us and their parents problems.

This past year I used the SNS for 7 babies who had initial weight losses
of more that 1 lb in the first week or two.  Because we're in a birth
center environment with very committed families and continuous care and
follow up most of them were ultimately able to nurse, but it was SOOOO
frustrating.

We use Stadol occasionally and I frequently find these kids to have
latch and suck problems for several days.  Fortunately most of the other
problems you describe we don't see much, but I have great sympathy for
your efforts and frustration.

I am constantly reminded that we can only do the best we can with what
we get and that's all you can ask of yourselves and the parents and
babies.  If you and they do the best possible that's great.  Keep going,
because even the parents who are ultimately unable to nurse will be
grateful for your efforts.

Sue Samuels