In a message dated 8/30/2005 9:30:52 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, Kellie  
writes:

The  mother has spoken with an excellent IBCLC in our are who agrees with 
her  about continuing to breastfeed on cue, whether for nutrition or 
comfort.  Unfortunately, neither the IBCLC or I have anything concrete to 
offer her  related to this specific situation.
I would see that a bit differently.  We have mountains of research on  the 
benefits of breastfeeding on cue....at any age and for all reasons, not just  
nutrition.  Breastfeeding a toddler is the biologic norm.  What  research does 
the OT have to suggest that we should abandon all that is known to  be good for 
this baby in this situation?  What has the OT said in relation  to what she 
sees as the potential problems/harm in nursing this baby on  cue?
 
For a baby who is having difficulty with foods, it makes no sense in my  mind 
to remove what good nutrition she has, even if it is in small doses, as in  
"comfort nursing". Past Lactnet discussions have included cases where the  
mother weaned (per Dr.) to "get the baby to eat".  Baby still didn't  eat *and* 
lost the nutrition of breastmilk.  Further, if the baby has  sensory issues, it 
is quite possible that she experiences comparatively little  pleasure in her 
life, at least not in healthy ways.  Nursing offers a  positive sensory 
experience for this little one in the midst of many aversive  ones.


The  mother is in need of information she can bring to the OT related to  
breastfeeding and children with Sensory Integration  Disorder.
 
I published an article in JHL a few years ago on this.  I wish I knew  then 
what I know now, as there would be additional info.  Cathy  Watson-Genna has 
published in LLL and Madela mags.  Both of us focused more  in a younger infant. 
 To my knowledge, that is *all* there is in print  about SID and 
breastfeeding.  My hunch has continued to be that most babies  with SID wind up 
bottle-feeding.  Hence we know less than we should.
 
When I present on this topic I encourage LCs to make the referrals to OTs,  
but remind them that more often than not the LC may have to be teaching the OT  
about normal breastfeeding as they go along.  Many OTs are not trained in  
the breastfeeding infant.  
 
I received a very similar call to this last week (same woman?).  I  know her 
OT.  She uses Babywise for her kids and is very entrenched in the  philosophy. 
 She will not listen to information to the contrary.  I  asked the mother 
what research the OT had provided to substantiate her  advice.  Mother said that 
the OT said that "all the research" said that  schedule-feeds were the best 
(despite what I have told her).
 
There you have it.
 
Nancy Williams, MA, MFT, IBCLC, CCE

 

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