I had a phone call last evening from a mum with an 11 week old, born at 9
pounds 4 ounces and at 8 weeks weighed 10 pounds 3 ounces. Doctor at that
check said baby seemed to be fine developmentally and ok other than very
slow weight gain. Mum said baby would only nurse for a few minutes on each
side and then start screaming and pushing away. Mum has occaisionally
offered a bottle and baby guzzles down 5 ounces.
Baby has had a pacifier since birth but this has been discontinued as mum
feels it is not helping.

Mum has double Ameda pump but finds pumping very difficult as unless she is
nursing on one side, she does not get anything. Since the baby is basically
not nursing well, pumping is not working to maintain her supply.

Birth was about 10 hours, described as smooth, baby nursed while on
delivery table. The only times baby nurses well is in the morning when she
wakes up, and since mum has recently taken baby to bed with her, a few
times at night for a few minutes. Mum has tried different positions, baby
refuses whether the breast is full or "empty". Mum is getting very
frustrated with this, and wants to do just breast or bottle and not have
this constant struggle. Baby is very distractible while at the breast, and
the mum also has an 18 month toddler.

I suggested really concentrating on those times when the baby does nurse
well, continue to share sleep with the baby and nurse then, rebirthing in
the bathtub, having the baby exposed to mum's breasts whenever possible and
offer to nurse when the baby is not especially hungry. Also suggested a
chiropractor. What's going on here? She has seen a lactation consultant
(don't know if an IBCLC) who didn't have too many suggestions. I don't know
what the baby's suck is like, but she does nurse well once or twice a day.
Suggestions please, oh wiser ones.

Donna Hansen
Burnaby, Britsih Columbia
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