Since this is such an intriguing case, I thought I'd update you all,
though it is by far not yet resolved.

I had suggested to the mom that she try some nipple stimulation during
the last month of her pregnancy to see if it caused uterine contractions.
She tried it several times, and reported back to me that in each case,
she did indeed have contractions.  I encouraged her that this was a good
sign that she really did have oxytocin.

I also encouraged the mom to go for some counseling with my colleague
Nancy Williams, who has both an IBCLC and an MFCC background.
Unfortunately, when she called Nancy they discovered that the mom's son
was a frequent visitor to Nancy's daughter, and mom suddenly felt
uncomfortable that she was "known" and not anonymous, and just couldn't
bring herself to follow through with the appointment.  Big sigh here----
I think in light of the above that it would have been very good for her.

Since mom did not follow through on counseling, I encouraged her to
practice some visualization, picturing in her mind her milk flowing for
this baby.

Baby was born two days ago by planned induction at mom's insistence; she
just didn't think she would go into labor on her own and didn't want to
wait and find out again.  Yesterday she called me, somewhat panicky,
saying the baby was starting to act fussy/hungry and she was afraid it is
all starting again. Her milk is not in yet, but I asked her if she felt
uterine cramping when the baby was at breast, and she said yes, lots.
Another good sign!  I again have encouraged her that she does indeed have
oxytocin, to relax, and that I will be available to help as needed.

That's it so far; it's going to be very interesting to see how this one
goes.

-Lisa Marasco, BA, IBCLC