Jane...You did great to suggest the most obvious solution to the problem!
Unfortunately, while we can encourage and support it is only their decision
to make.  I think that many times when we see moms choose breastfeeding and
then stop it is because they have no idea of what "normal" is.  Had you been
there later to reassure this mom and explain what normal is and/or how to
differentiate between nutritive and non-nutritive sucking and how to
encourage the baby to do mostly the first, this mom might have continued.
But we can't be all or do all and we can only do the best we can under the
circumstances.  It is the only way to survive the stress and demands of this
profession.  Burnout is a real hazard we face and taking the weight of this
off YOUR shoulders and placing it where it belongs with the mother will
help.  Frustration is still a problem at times but it becomes easier to let
go and focus your energies in a positive way toward those who want  and need
your expertise.  Find joy in even the little triumphs and continue to
educate and support those you encounter, realizing that if you have made a
difference in only one baby's life, IT MATTERS! ( At times like this, I try
to remind myself of the one mom who swears I saved her baby's life)

Hang in there!!!
Peggy Litt, RN, CLC
Hospital-based Lactation Consultant
Quincy, IL
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