I spoke by phone with the mother of a 41 week AGA, 36-hour old baby girl, 
first-born by non-eventful vaginal delivery.  Baby was red-faced furious at 
breast the first day; wouldn't latch enough for even one suckle.  They 
offered a nipple shield, which seemed to improve B's wilingness to latch and 
suckle as the second day of life commenced.  (Including --gag -- drops of 
formula on the nipple shield, cuz mom couldn't manually express any milk 
out.) Hospital says there has been a *9%* weight loss.  Hmm.  I am wondering 
about that  ...

I talked about LOTS of true skin-to-skin once the family gets home (at about 
Hour 42-44), and practicing manual expression to express drops to entice 
baby.

Her Q is this:  lying on her back is very uncomfortable (long labor; 
stitches for vaginal tears).  Is skin-to-skin "as effective" if she is on 
her side, the baby snugged up into her tummy area?

I gotta admit I was stumped.  I am going to dig up my Kangaroo Care stuff, 
but am hoping someones here has a quick opinion.  I understand that for 
premies, the instructions are pretty clear that the baby is to be lying 
chest-to-chest with mom (or dad).  That full-body-hug can certainly assure 
the baby is kept toasty warm.

But what about side-to-side for a full-termer, who appears to be just mad 
that she had to give up that perfect womb?  (I told Mom to make sure they 
are draped with a receiving blanket or sheet to retain body heat -- have 
baby wearing a cap and maybe booties.)

Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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