Hello, All:  I've been following this thread with interest as it backs up 
my theory that breastfeeding is an evolutionary process over time.  Why 
would one think, or expect, a 2 year old to be feeding 8-12 times in 24 
hours with each feeding lasting 30+ minutes, as is the norm for a newborn?  
But yet, this is the perception that people have about breastfeeding and I 
think is one of the main reasons why mothers (at least here in the USA) 
wouldn't dream of considering long-term breastfeeding.  I use my support 
group to help educate mothers that breastfeeding changes over time. At the 
group they can see babies of different ages nursing and have an opportunity 
to talk with each other. Nursing a 1 week old is way different than nursing 
a 1 month old and a 1 year old.  The 3-5 month time frame is when I begin 
to get the panicked phone calls of not having enough milk, with the phone 
call being made to me on the way home from the 4 month well-baby check at 
which the baby has been proclaimed perfect for weight and development.  
Why?  Because her breasts now feel soft between feedings and the feeding 
that used to take 30-45 minutes is now done in 10.  Mom perceives these 2 
events as not having enough milk and baby not getting enough, even though 
he acts content, rather than a normal breastfeeding course.
Encouraging mothers to attend LLLI meetings or a nursing moms support group 
at the hospital is invaluable in helping moms become comfortable with the 
entire spectrum of breastfeeding.

Pam Hirsch, BSN,RN,IBCLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL   USA

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