Had a good outcome from one of these situations recently. (Oral OK to
share.)

Mom came to one of my LLL meetings with a baby who "didn't look right" to
me. Too quiet. Too pale. I didn't look at the sign in sheet right away, and
guessed at the baby's age. Turns out I had guess the child was about 2
months younger than my estimimate (I usually hit it on the head with in a
week.) This baby was borderline dehydrated, growth delayed and not
responsive. I commented at the beginning of the meeting that it  appeared
that she was ready for a nap, mother replied that no, the baby just looked
like that, she had just had a nap.

This situation required a three pronged approach to get through to this
mom. She had her baby's best interests at heart. Had not been successful at
BF her older child and was adamant she would not use any supplement "no
matter what." The doctor had first noticed baby wasn't growing well or
meeting milestones, mother dismmissed him. She hired an (very very good)
LC, whose assesment was that the baby needed some extra attention, an
changes in breastfeeding technique to grow properly. Again this was
dismissed. She came to our meeting, and I gently expressed concern about
the baby's growth and lack of milestone reaching. I also expressed that I
knew her LC well, and respected her opinion totally! Both myself and my
applicant let the mother know all the good things she was doing for this
baby, and how happy the baby seemed to be in her arms, and that it was
great that she was SO dedicated to breastfeeding this child. AND, it might
be a good idea to give the LC a second chance....

I called her LC as soon as I got home. (The mom knew this was a
possibility.) Within a few hours the mother called the LC and scheduled an
other appointment with the her, and last I heard they were on the way to
being back in good health and good growth.

It took THREE opinions, and three concerned advocates to help this mother.
The doctor, the LC and the LLL leader(who did not have her LC hat on during
this situation.) This is a situation where the system works, HCPs work
together and work WELL!

It was very satisfying, and all concerned were pleased. Most of all, I
would guess, the baby, who was finally able to have have energy and able to
grow properly.

It gives you hope.

Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, RLC
Private Practice
Villa Park IL

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