Ok, guys.  It has happened again!  While making rounds on bf moms today
after class, I made a 3rd visit post-partum to a particular mom.  I saw her
once yesterday after class, and she asked me to come back today before
class.  During the second visit today, she asked me to come back yet again
after we finished class this afternoon.  She had a c/s 2 days ago due to BP
problems.  Her baby weighs just over 5 lbs.  She is having alot of
difficulty getting baby to latch.  (Of course, nursery gave this newborn
it's first bottle before mom even got to attempt bf.  Not only that, they
are using a premie nipple.)  During the first visit, we attempted to
introduce the baby to the breast.  She never latched on, but she did mouth
the breast some before conking out on us.  Of course both grandmothers were
in the room with us, and even though neither verbalised it, their
disapproval was very obvious.  It made this a very uncomfortable visit.  I
made a point of telling both of them how much mom needed to hear words of
praise and encouragement, and how she needed their support.  At the visit
this afternoon, the new mom's mother was in the room, and pretty much went
on a rant of how this new mom should not let anyone force her into bf if she
did not want to, and how this baby had to have "something" so she wouldn't
starve!  This went on for several minutes. She was treating me as if I were
forcing this mom to bf, completely ignoring the fact that this mom asked me
to visit 2 additional times.  After grandma was through, the new mom looked
at her with tears in her eyes and said, "but I DO want to breastfeed!  Why
do you think I'm trying so hard??"  At this point I felt like crying.  I
know that no matter what I do, this girl's mom will sabotage any attempt at
her breastfeeding.  How do you handle family members like this?  I felt
terrible.  This mom was asking for my help, and I really don't think
anything I do will help her, at least not while her mom is around.
Judy Philips