Pat said
> Sometimes a mom says she wants to stop and when we explore it with her we
> get to the real  reason, which  may not be valid because mom has gotten
> poor or incorrect info.  That's a different story and I counsel  mom
> differently.

This has been my experience, too.  I am happy (?) to help a mom stop
breastfeeding (slowly!) if that is her truly informed decision and always
praise her for the weeks or months that she *has* breastfed.  Sometimes she
is having a problem with the baby or child's behaviour (such as being
"clingy") and feels breastfeeding is to blame.  Exploring age appropriate
behaviour often puts a new perspective on her "problem" and thus her
"solution".

Katherine stated that the knowledge that the benefits of breastmilk are dose
related motivated her to continue nursing.  Unfortunately, knowledge doesn't
always influence attitudes and practices.  How many of us always stick to
the speed limit on the roads?   Or smoke despite the warnings on the
package?  :)  Much depends on the mother's support system.  She may have
already breastfed her baby far beyond the accepted norm in her community.
But the information we share with her this time, may influence her decisions
with the next baby, or the support she offers to her breastfeeding friends.

Jean Ridler  RN  RM  IBCLC, Cape Town, South Africa  [log in to unmask]

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