Thanks Lisa, and to all the rest of you who gave me such wonderful
suggestions for this mom and baby.
To update: Mom continues to offer the breast but with less than great
success as far as feeding is concerned. Baby and mom  are definitely
benefiting from the contact however, he much happier and she much more
relaxed and happy.
Mom's supply is slowly improving with massage, fenugreek, Mother's Milk
tea, frequent pumpings, increased fluids and rest. Do not know if she'll
ever be able to establish a full supply, but I've shared all of the ideas
suggested here on Lactnet and she is utilizing those that, to her, seem
most likely to help. I believe I mentioned in my first post that this
mother had a previous child with cleft lip, so is knowledgeable and has
good resources for help, besides me.
The insurance company is refusing to reimburse for the pump. I'll be
sending them a copy of the AAP statement. The surgeon is being
condescending(mom's opinion) and making light of mom's concerns about
breastfeeding her baby. Mom's primary has been supportive in words, but not
in action (in my opinion). Mom is getting stronger (emotionally) daily and
is quite determined to do what SHE believes is best for her baby,
irregardless of the attitudes she has to deal with. She is a joy to work
with and I intend to stay with her as long as she needs the support. Right
now we are working on her possible aversion to the pump, which both of us
think is at the root of her supply problem. She feels a letdown when the
baby fusses, runs to get the pump and then can't get more than an ounce.
I've suggested she get the baby instead, and pump on a 3 hour schedule.
Explained to her how she can be putting such demands on her body to perform
that the breasts just won't respond appropriately. Gave her the suggestion
to think of something other than the baby when she pumps (made by one of
you lactnetters, thanks), even suggested she try thinking about sex, which
brought a laugh but she thought it was a good idea.
Sorry to go on so long, but really want to thank you guys for the excellent
ideas. Especially Jay and Pamela, who's recent thoughts on pumping and
supply have given me some good insight into what may be going on with this
mom.
Will try to be brief in my next post and let you all know what I learn from
this incredible Mom.
Mary A. Banaszewski, RN, IBCLC
Getting tired of this daily shoveling routine.
mailto:[log in to unmask]


On 1-14-99 Lisa wrote:
> This is directed to the LC who was looking for information on feeding an
> infant with a cleft lip and palate (sorry I am too fast with the delete
key).
> A friend of mine is both nursing a baby and bottlefeeding breastmilk (and
> formula when the pumped milk has run out).  The baby is now three weeks
old.
> My friend has gotten lots of great info from the Cleft Palate Foundation.
> They can be reached in the US:  1-800-24-CLEFT; or via email:
> [log in to unmask] and website: www.cleft.com.
>   BTW, both the mom's baby and the doctor's baby are very supportive (in
word
> and deed) that the mom should breastfeed or breastmilk feed as much as
she
> possibly can, to reduce the risks to the baby of ear infection, etc.
>
> Hope that this helps and is not a dollar short and a day late :-)
>
> Lisa Jones, LLLL in Wellington, sunny south FL
>