A public health nurse colleague told me of a creative strategy she used to
help a poor young mother today. She visited a mother of a newborn and an 18
month old for the first time today and found out that the mother's
refrigerator broke down yesterday, and hadn't been able to get a replacement
yet through social services. What little food she had was spoiled. As well,
the mother had no friends or family to help.

 So while the nurse was making calls to various agencies to obtain a new
fridge and food, the 18 month old who had weaned months ago was crying hard
from hunger and thirst. The nurse suggested to the mother that she give her
toddler the breast. The mother looked surprised and asked if it was OK. The
nurse said of course, and the 18 month old took the breast happily and
nursed for a long time.

I wonder if the 18 month old will continue to breastfeed now that she's
rediscovered a good thing.

Maureen Kennedy PHN IBCLC