Hi all...I've been lurking for a few days after 4 months No Mail.  I
experienced a huge adrenalin rush while my computer downloaded my first
digest last wek.  I guess a re-introduction might be in order.

I'm IBCLC (have to take the exam again this summer, as it's 10 years) and
been providing some level of brfeeding help for 20 years.  Also a Certified
Childbirth Educator for 18 years.  I'm LLL (though my comments on Lactnet are
*mine*, not the organizations!).  Currently I'm Executive Director of a
crisis pregnancy center, working with lots of teen moms and I teach Marriage
& Family (with a great unit on birth/breastfeeding) at a community college. I
teach for our local hospital (brfeeding & more) and do a little private
LCing.  I'm waiting for the results of my Calif. licensing exam for Marriage,
Family, & Child therapist.  I'm married with 3 older kids (all breastfed) and
a fabulous 2 year old granddaughter who announced to me last week "I love my
na-nas" (her word for nursing).

Lactnet has been, for me, a validation of so many things that my heart has
known all of my adult life.  I had, after all these years, let the other guys
get me down and wondered why I continue to beat my head against the wall.
 Knowing all of you has been for me like a hemmoraging woman receiving her
life-saving transfusion.  Thanks so much and I'm glad to be back.

I've heard of the baby's wet diaper as treatment for thrush.  Can't quite
bring myself to suggest it.  Especially without data.

Kathy D, kudos for your shining the light for the marketing director.

Marsh W and others on epidurals--great posts.  No one has mentioned the
little possible maternal problem of sudden drop-like-a-rock hypotension,
which can be a problem for mom & baby.

I know this is long, but I have a question....my sister has 3 living sons and
is pregnant.  I expect I'll be back with questions when she delivers, as I've
never seen anyone with the difficulties she comes up with.  But for now, all
3 babies were exclusively breastfed for over 6 months.  When solids were
added--but still nursing, all 3 developed severe constipation, almost
immediately, that is intractable and long-standing.  Right now, the 19 month
old & the 5 year old are plagued constantly.  All the standard stuff has been
tried.  The only relief is in feeding them mineral oil, which she isn't nuts
about.  Any ideas why or what to do about it?  TIA

Nancy Williams