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Subject:
From:
"Barbara Wilson-Clay,BSE,IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 20 Sep 1996 07:53:43 -0500
Content-Type:
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Hi, Joya,
I have been in this situation years ago as a LLL Leader.  A mother was
coming to meetings with such an infant, verbalizing that she didn't agree
with her MDs concerns about baby's status.  Baby looked terrible.  After
some conferring, the group's Leaders decided that we needed to gently
confront the mother with our observations.  Two Leaders told her that baby
seemed inappropriately lethargic, and that most healthy infants are back to
birth weight in 10 days to two weeks.  We told her we could accept that she
had not formed a trusting relationship with her pediatrician, but that she
needed to find a new one immed. or take baby to a clinic, as baby needed
evaluation.  We told her that we felt a great concern for her well-being and
had some hesitancy about approaching her, but that we had an obligation to
the more helpless party (the infant) to speak up since some brand new
mothers lacked experience  to distinguish between a baby who was just a
"good sleeper" and one who didn't have the energy to rouse to feed.  We
asked her then, what she planned to do in response to our intervention.  Had
she told us to mind our own business, or gotten angry, or delayed, our plan
was to tell her we would have to report the situation to child welfare
authorities.  Luckily, she acted appropriately concerned.  We let her know
we would follow-up with her, and did so, until we were sure she was under a
doctor's care.

It is sometimes the case that post-partum depression renders mother's unable
to appropriately cue to infants.  You may also have to alert the WIC clinic
about the situation -- talk to the appropriate person -- not a clerk.  I
think the conversation with the father also needs to be specific.  Not what
you think about the situation so much as what you observed, followed by the
statement:  I am worried about the baby's health and strongly suggest
medical evaluation.

It's a tough situation -- awkward for everyone.  I'm glad you documented
everything.  It's a plus others are involved, as once you have done and said
what you can, it won't be up to you any more.

Good luck.
Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html

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