Why is it that Lactnet comes in and SAVES me BEFORE I know I need saving???

Just had read the Breast Compression entries (and, yes, I had heard Dr. Jack
talk about them and have his reprints, but as they are in English and most of
the literature I use is in Spanish, I hadn't re-read it recently) when I had -
yesterday - two cases that required just that!

1. Mom had called me with all sorts of S & S of low milk supply - no stools, 4
wet diapers in 24 hours, baby 5 days old - and I asked her to come in.  Weight
check showed 4 cc intake in 20 minutes at the breast.  (Kathleen, now I want to
have a stethoscope when I check the babies since our Rush Conference!).  With
breast compressions we had 12 additional cc's in 10 minutes - then baby quit.

As this is a holiday weekend here, mom went home with instructions to use
compressions whenever the suck slowed for more than 30 - 40 seconds ( I do
believe these new babies need to be able to stop and BREATHE for a while and
compressions done too frequently could reduce oxygenation, thereby tiring babies
too, by not allowing baby time to stop and breathe for a while).  If there are
not 6 wet and 2 stools in 24 hours she is to call me at home - and visit is
scheduled for Monday.

2. Baby with Downs just born - luckily to a mom still breastfeeding older
sibling.  When we were able to get her to the breast, compressions kept her
going.  She's got a lovely thin tongue with a great central groove and should
have no problems breastfeeding - the suck check, once baby was alert, showed a
great suck.

Thanks also to all those who have offered to help on the Peer Counselor program.
What a great bunch!

Jeanette Panchula, BA-SW, RN, LLLL, IBCLC
Puerto Rico
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