Hi Edie. In case #1, I would investigate the circumstances, thoroughly, of
course, such as past history of hormonal problems, or endocrine problems.  I
would get her a copy of a good breastfeeding book. My current favorite is
Newman and PItman's book "Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding," available
at Tom Hale's website.  I would get her to a LLL meeting, and point her in
the direction of some really good information about latch, etc.  She will
need close followup after the birth to make sure that things are going
ok....with the history of the past problems.

In Case #2: with the mother who is totally stressed out, and anxious, the
same principals would apply.  Gentle education about breastfeeding, frequent
contact after the birth to make sure technique is good, and reassurance that
baby is doing well.

I think that what we have is a confidence problem, complicated by other
factors as well.  But, if you get the mother's confidence up, and get her
hooked into a support system, often she can relax into it and conquer any
difficulties that arise. It is a basic belief in breastfeeding that is the
basis of breastfeeding success, for a lot of mothers, I find.

Hope that helps. Kathleen

Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC co-owner Lactnet, Indep. Consultant
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://homepages.together.net/~kbruce/kbblact.html
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