>Hi all!  Well, so much for requesting ideas!  But in case any one is
>interested, I'll update you.  I  feel as if I'm talking to air.  I know you
>are out there or do I?
>
>THe asian couple I spoke of 2 days ago who took baby off breast because of
>their anxiety regarding not knowing how much their baby was getting, and
>their correct sense that she was not getting enough at breast--is now back to
>breast.  Mom's supply is down and she supplements at night because  the baby
>will only accept a bottle during sleep at night. (This child refuses SNS and
>will not take bottle or anything else that is put to the lips, unless it is
>mom.)
>
>The thing that i think is amazing is that the infant knew what she wanted and
>finally got through to the parents.  Last week she had this look about her,
>almost of defiance, but what it must have been was sadness at being not
>allowed to breastfeed!   I always say "SHe knows what is best! " and chuckle
>to myself .  In this case however, since Mom's supply is down, and usual
>methods of supplementing are not working, except at night, several
>times--there is quite a burden placed on Mom who works hard at night to
>supplement and pump.  I suggested to Dad that he might be able to help at
>night with bottle feedings--I learned a few other things that were not
>helping her to increase supply, such as feeding one side only and not
>attemping to wake baby to feed other, and not pumping the unfed side, because
>of mistaken notion that she would make more milk that way.  I used your
>running water in sink analogy , Karen, and it helped..
>
>This Mom needed so much basic teaching.  I wish I could have worked with her
>3 and 1/2 months ago when she only needed confidence boosters and good info..
> WHat remains to be seen is what will happen when they try and feed this kid
>solids--remember, the parents force fed her  cereal for 2 weeks.
>
>If I could get just one response on this then I'll know that lactnet did get
>my message and that I'm not really talking to air.    Cindy, rn, ibclc, etc,
>mother of new college student, masters  student herself, scared to death
>after reading 3 coursepaks.,
>
>Cindy, I just read your message and I am sorry no one responded to your
request for advice.  I have been out on vacation and did not read your
original posting. I am not a lactation consultant but I supervise two
breastfeeding counselors in Tucson who provide breastfeeding support to
Hispanic WIC mothers. So, I would not be the best source of professional
advice.  I do think from what you wrote that you did a great job with this
mom.  Its frustrating to remember that the best you can do is give them the
information and hope they make the best choices. There was probably a
cultural barrier also. I am a dietitian so if I can help when this couple
starts the baby on solid foods let me know. Good luck!

Laura Aldag
a mother of two and thinking about starting a ph.D....scary!