In a message dated 96-12-27 17:12:09 EST, you write:

>Subject: Extremely low supply -  non-Rx suggestions
In addition to Kathleen's wonderful posts on the "pathways", I would like to
offer up a sidebar.....I have had several cases where the mother was told she
had little or no milk production based on the volume she was (or wasn't) able
to obtain by PUMPING.  My most recent mama was told by PP and NSY that she
didn't have ANY colostrum( and even called her OB to report this amazing
phenomenon....pardon my sarcasm)  She was also told that she had inverted
nipples and would likely not be able to nurse anyway.  I saw her 2 days
later, at home-  breasts were soft but filling.  Her breasts were large and
pendulous and the nipples when unsupported were "stretched" out somewhat
flat...when supported and stimulated would evert just as anyone elses!!  Baby
had had bottles for 1 day (this was a 48hr unmedicated labor) Baby had a
normal palate and appropriate suck/tongue motion but was still refusing the
breast.  Mom had  certainly had her confidence undermined  and dad was pushy
about bottlefeeding.  She had used a hospital grade pump and was sent home
with the kit and a rental pump.  Her nipples were much too large and much to
flat to fit into the shield!  She wasn't getting milk because the flange was
too steep and too narrow!!.  We tried the Large Glass shield, worked on one
side but the opposite side still bounced around out at the edge of the
flange.  She pressed on with the glass shield over night and when I returned
the next day, I brought every flange and insert I had.  We finally found a
flange with a flexishield that "grabbed" her nipple and areola and Voila!!
she pumped 3 ounces.  Mama finally BELIEVED that she had milk.  It took
another day or two of coaxing, using a supplementer and using a sling/ or
rolled up cloth to support the breast to get the baby exclusively back on the
breast, still nursing well todate.     IMHO, is there a medical problem here
or could someone be suffering from perceptual set??!!
Liz Flight, RN,CLE, IBCLC in warm, sunny Jacksonville FL