LACTNET Archives

Lactation Information and Discussion

LACTNET@COMMUNITY.LSOFT.COM

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Jack Newman <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 18 May 1997 10:29:54 -0500
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (36 lines)
With a note like that, how can I not answer?

I would first of all get this baby off the bottle.  This baby is
probably pacifying on the breast and then drinking from the bottle.  I
suspect he is at considerable risk of stopping breastfeeding altogether.

I would help this mother learn how to get this baby latched on as best
possible.  I would show the mother how to know he is getting milk.  I
would suggest breast compression once he doesn't drink on his own.  I
would have her nurse both sides as long as the baby actually nurses, and
then get the mother supplementing with a supplemental nursing system,
or, one of the improvised lactation aids.  If things go well, the mother
will be introducing the tube or opening the tube later and later at each
feeding.

The baby has got to start learning to actually feed at the breast, not
just suck.  If that happens, the mother will start to produce more.  But
she will have to be patient, it may take a long while, and it may never
be possible for her to breastfeed this baby exclusively. Or, it could go
quite quickly. But breastfeeding with supplements is better than no
breastfeeding at all.  But this will not happen if she bottle feeds, at
least I don't think so.

If she has time, pumping after feedings as often as possible will also
increase her milk supply, but she should be warned not to count the
amount she gets.  The milk she does get can be used instead of
artificial baby milk.

If you are in Canada, possibly domperidone may be helpful to increase
the milk supply (metoclopramide in the US), but I would wait for several
weeks.

Hope this helps.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC

ATOM RSS1 RSS2