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Lactation Information and Discussion

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Subject:
From:
Rosemary Gauld <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 8 Apr 2001 00:53:31 +0200
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Liz
It is so distressing to have these babies who do not know what to do at the
breast. We do not have CST therapists here in Cape Town (although some
Physios are currently in training and we should have access to that type of
therapy in the not too distant future) and I think that that will be our
first line of therapy with these babies.

The last baby I worked with who would not breastfeed, was a real challenge.
He was a failed home birth and ended up being born via a Caesarean in
hospital with suctioning and  possible forceful attempts to latch at the
first feed. I saw the mom on day 3 when the mother was attempting to
breastfeed with a nipple shield, with little success.

Following the goals as you set out, we finger fed the baby with ABM
(Artificial Baby milk, or whatever we are currently calling it) until the
mother was able to pump enough and then were able to phase it out and only
use EBM.

The mother's milk supply was maintained through the pumping. She co-bathed
and co-slept with the baby and attempted to latch him at every feeding time.

Staying sane was the hardest  part but this mother was determined and on day
28 the baby went to the breast as if there had never been a problem. She
returned the hired pump, threw away the tubes and syringes and cried with
joy. 6 months later she was still exclusively breastfeeding.

It was far more complicated than just putting breastmilk on the nipple, and
using a tube (or SNS) at the breast was impossible because the baby would
not latch. Support, time and patience, feeding the baby and maintaining the
mother's milk supply are the ingredients which are needed and I do wish you
good luck. It's a scary ride but the relief at the end is more than
compensation.

Rose Gauld RN RM IBCLC, Cape Town, South Africa

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