In a message dated 98-03-19 15:45:49 EST, Pam Morrison wrote:

<< "I even saw Diane (or Pam, whoever!) and I still
 'couldn't' breastfeed .." >>

I've heard this one a lot and it really makes me feel discouraged.

However, I want to add a little story to the discussion about a poor mom
convinced of her inability to produce milk by one thoughtless comment.  This
mom called me at around 3-4 days pp because of perceived insufficient
production.  After going over the usual questions about the birth and
subsequent few days, she had me so concerned that I decided to take a run over
to her house.  I gave her several of the usual methods to increase the
frequency and effectiveness of her baby's nursing in the meantime.

When I got there, the auntie was just on her way back in with a rented
breastpump!  This mom was already convinced that she needed LOTS of help.  So,
I looked at the infant, observed a feeding, and requested that they bring out
several of his past few diapers.  He was sucking and swallowing, nursing
frequently, and, not surprisingly, his diapers were actually heavy
(disposables).  Her production was fine, his intake was fine, he looked
terrific, no soreness, nothing.  But, I still couldn't convince her.  It was
at about this point she first mentioned the comment her OB made as he was
chatting with her the day after her induction which ultimately became a c/s.
Since she needed hormonal assistance with her initial conception, then didn't
go into labor so need the induction, then didn't progress, so needed a c/s he
speculated out loud that maybe her pituitary hormones just weren't quite up to
snuff, that they were not working quite right.  Well, that's all it took.

Over the course of the next few days, I still couldn't convince her that her
baby was getting enough and she mentioned this speculation several more times.
In the end, she provided ebm for awhile then let it all peeter out.
Unfortunately, this little guy went on to have extremely poor health, repeated
ear infections, colds, flus, and ultimately, now has a mild hearing loss.  It
makes me ill to think that it all could have been prevented.

I think this has significance in both directions.  First, of course any hcp
(lay or professional) should always watch what they say that, in this
vulnerable time, could bring on greater repercussions if the mom takes it so
to heart.  Of course, on the other side, As Carol B. said, what we say that is
positive may also plant its seed and help, maybe not this baby, but one
sometime.

It is humbling to realize how significantly our words can affect others.

Karen Seroussi
La Leche League Leader in CT