HI!
   My comments on the words of wisdom from several of you on the fussy
day many neonates have, and rationalising it as a precursor to "milk
copming in":
   So often a Mum will call me, to say everything has been going well
but that day her baby is fussy, feeding "constantly" or "hourly" and
"won't settle".  The babies are usually in their first few weeks,
usually the second or third week, but babies are individuals.
  I now usually handle it by explaining that many babies seem to have a
"day from hell" at some stage during the first few weeks, that, yes, it
is usual for Mums to worry about it, but that, in my experience, the
next day is usually very different.  This pattern is what's happening
TODAY - it is not the precursor for every future day.  Mums seem to
accept that their beautiful baby is "entitled" to one "day from hell".
   Of course, the baby is building up the supply, and knows what to do.
Mums often can't internalize this fact ("but I feel empty") on a fussy
day, however well it is explained.  I emphasize to the mother that I
expect her to ring me back in 24 hours "to see how she's going", which
gives me a chance to reinforce and reassure, plus add information (when
she is less stressed and able to take in the info) about "appetite
increase" behaviour at ANY stage.
   It makes sense to give a mother - ahead of time - the idea that it's
*okay* for her baby to have a fussy day now and then.  Saves the panic
when it happens!
   Cheers,
        Virginia Thorley
        Lactation consultant, Brisbane Queensland, Australia

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