Wanda I wonder whether this mother isn't just feeling a bit fatigued and
overwhelmed at the moment.  It is very early days yet, and her stated
objective before birthing was to successfully breastfeed.  She may just
need gentle encouragement and support to take each feed and each day one at
a time, then before you know it she's ringing you up two years later asking
if this baby will ever wean - hopeful scenario.
You are correct in your observation that non-stimulation of breasts doesn't
stop the milk from coming in.  Lactogenesis II is a result of the interplay
of hormones and will happen regardless, unless we directly interfere with
the hormones (ie carbergoline).  I tell mothers I am caring for who intend
to suppress lactation to be gentle on themselves.  Express off just enough
milk to remain comfortable, use ice packs, cabbage leaves and mild oral
analgesics if necessary.
If your mother wants to give her baby all the colostrum then she will need
to breastfeed for at least 10 days to two weeks because transitional milk
is a combination of colostrum and mature milk.  It is so important for
every baby - it would be nice if you can encourage her to continue for at
least that long - every day extra is a bonus.
Regardless of when she decides to stop breastfeeding, if she does it 'cold
turkey' she will become engorged.  Your advice to gradually wean is sound
advice.  If the baby begins to refuse the breast because of the increasing
number of bottles she is giving and she is still becoming full/engorged you
could encourage her to express to be comfortable and give that milk to the
baby in the bottle (so many mothers don't think to do this!).
Good luck Wanda and I'll keep all my fingers and toes crossed that when you
next see her she will have had a few really good feeds, have had a good
sleep and have decided that maybe she won't wean just yet.
Denise

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Denise Fisher MMP, BN, IBCLC
BreastEd Online Lactation Studies Courses
http://www.health-e-learning.com

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