In an effort to add to the discussion about "breastfeeding homes, I asked
Margot Mann to share some information about her practice in the New York City
surburbs.
Barbara Hayes

 In a message dated 9/12/1999 10:20:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Margotmann
writes:

<< Subj:    Re: Your practice!
 Date:  9/12/1999 10:20:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time
 From:  Margotmann
 To:    HAYESAB

 Barbara,
  I am not on Lactnet but you are free to share this with the group if you
think it is of interest.
    It was always my dream to set up a Lactation Center where  the mother
could come for an extended time and spend most of the day there. This is for
the mother who is particularly anxious, nearing 'burn out" or who has a baby
with a difficult problem.
    My dream has come true. At the Riverdale Lactation Center (NY), they can
come for a consult. Having support and help they already feel better. And the
baby is fed and quiet. The effort in getting to the lactation center, the
anxiety  and the deep concentration of the consult wears the mother out. If
she goes home now she faces a host of demands and usually finds that she
can't replicate the results she experienced in the lactation center. This
sets her up to feel like a failure. So, instead of going home she goes into
my "R & R Room" (Rest & Recreation) and goes to sleep. They all sleep deeply,
even those who say they are too anxious to sleep anywhere but at home.
    When they wake up they are a given a light, nutritious lunch and helped
with the next feeding, thereby reinforcing the new skills introduced in the
initial consult.
    They go home feeling encouraged and competent to use the techniques
taught to compensate for the baby's lack of skill in breastfeeding. They are
also usually OK on their own for a few days and don't need such early follow
up.
    I find the extra support and nurturing I can give in this scenario is
very rewarding and they appreciate it.

 Margot C Mann IBCLC
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 Please visit my website:
 http://hometown.aol.com/margotmann/myhomepage/index.html
 (718) 6012939 >>