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Date: | Thu, 19 Nov 1998 09:10:46 -0800 |
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Just have to add my 2 cents to this thread.
Three weeks ago I spent 2+ hours with mom and her 8-week old daughter.
Purpose? Showing mom how to finger and spoon feed. Reason? she had
followed advice of friend that she needed to introduce the bottle early
in order to assure that her daughter would take the bottle when she went
to work. Mom had purchased a good double pump, as she is planning to
nurse for as long as baby wants to do so.
During that previous week infant had begun to refuse breast entirely.
Mom had been pumping 4-6 times a day, offering breast and then giving
bottle when infant was unwilling to take breast. Over the last three
days mom had noticed drop in milk pumped and had begun offering ABM to
satisfy infant. Which of course had lengthened out the times between
feedings and all that stuff.
Talked to mom yesterday evening--she needs information to show to her
husband and babysitter regarding how important it is for her to
breastfeed this child. They see how tired she has been during the weeks
since she went back to work and they keep asking her if it is really
worth it. She is determined to continue this relationship as she can't
imagine giving it up now.
How did she get to this level of determination? She works with two
other mothers who are also pumping and breastfeeding. All three have
husbands who are students in professional education programs. The other
two have pointed out to her the many advantages of breastfeeding and she
is determined.
So yes, Jack, it isn't ideal, but teaching moms how to manage when they
do go back to work is an important aspect of working with these moms who
for whatever reason feel the need to go back to work after a far too
short maternity leave. But the really encouraging thing is that more of
them are giving this a try, and many of those who do it with #1, find a
way to stay home longer with #2 or #3. And it does have a influence
upon their mothering, and the babies are getting the breastmilk and at
least part of that special relationship that would be missed if mom
weaned them to ABM when she "HAS TO GO BACK TO WORK."
Melinda Hoskins, MS, RN, LC2B
Minden, Nevada, USA, Where the pogonip (hoarfrost) worked magic on our
world during the night.
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