Mothers of 4-month-olds who think they are drying up need a
pep talk.  All of their friends and relatives reported
drying up at four months.  For them it is sad, but true.
  I explain that in our culture most women think they can't
make enough milk.  Of course they can make enough milk.  I
like to beat them to the punch and tell them all the
reasons women think they aren't making enough milk.
The baby only nurses a minute before he thinks of something
more interesting.
Your breasts got softer.
He doesn't nurse as long...
I put a postive spin on them.
He is growing and is so alert, he is eager to see the world.
Your breasts got good at their job.  They are more
COMFORTABLE.
Baby is very efficient.  Wow, he knows what he's doing!
When a mom believes she has suddenly dried up, I quote
Coach Smith.  Six weeks after you wean, we will still be
able to pump milk from your breasts.  If the supply really
has reduced, you just build it up!  Our bodies are very
forgiving.
I quote the nutrition expert from LLLI, Roepke?  Babies
don't take anymore milk at six months than at 2 months.
Isn't that AMAZING?!  If you made all he needed at two
months, you can do it now.
Sometimes, mom is fighting baby to nurse more than he
needs.  "He can't be done!"  Maybe we need to learn more
baby entertainments.
Almost always, they tell me signs that the baby is doing
fine.  If not, then we can ask what might have changed.
Our culture doesn't believe breastfeeding works.  So
mothers have to call an expert for a dose of confidence.
Confidence is a lovely gift and it is contagious.
Cheerleader Pam   LLLL

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html