What hits me first this about the tip sheet is that "choosing to wean" is
right up at top. How about something brief about the importance of the
breastfeeding relationship and how some breastfed babies never receive a
bottle and how detrimental it can be to seperate mom from baby as an
opening. Then go into how to help the mother maintain a milk supply.
  Some ideas~
   "Because there are very few medical conditions contraindicated in
breastfeeding a child, mothers can continue to breastfeed while
hospitalized."
  "Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding."Expand as necessary.

  "Encourage mother and baby to stay together during hosptilization. Mother
and baby can room-in by having someone stay with mom who could tend to baby
and bring baby to mom for nursings. Or, if having the baby stay with mom is
not an option,  encourage a family member to bring baby to mother when
needed."

  "If the option for baby and mother to remain together is not possible,
encourange mother to pump to help maintain her milk supply. Use a hospital
grade pump and encourage pumping (assisting mother if needed) q2-3h. Supply
appropriate containers for milk storage for baby's use at home.

  "If neither having baby with mother or pumping is not an option and mother
wishes to no longer breastfeed, provide her with conforming ice packs for
the breasts x 10-min q 2 hrs and ask MD for order for Motrin to reduce
inflammation and pain.  Also, offer the use of a pump (mini-electric should
suffice) or demonstrate hand-expression so that she may pump off enough milk
to keep comfortable."

  I prefer to think that we should do whatever possible to preserve a
breastfeeding dyad rather than think in terms of "weaning" or seperation.
  My .02 cents!
  ~Lorij, LLLL

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