> We did try a shield and she started having good success with that, but
still
> offered bottles regularly (not every feeding) because his weight gain has
> never been fabulous.  It's "okay" and nothing more.
>
> Mom isn't comfortable challenging him too much because of his weight, and
> frankly I'm not either.  But I know he can breastfeed because he does
> sometimes.  Any suggestions on how to get him just breastfeeding?
>

I have to say, first of all, that sometimes babies are not supposed to have
"fabulous" weight gain. Some babies are slow gainers, and are MEANT TO BE
slow gainers. Yes, you can probably fatten them up by forcing formula on
them - but that is not a benefit. I wish we could get away from the idea
that faster weight gain or higher weight gain is ALWAYS better.

My thoughts about this situation is that this sounds like a case where
getting mother and baby to spend two or three days in bed together, just
nursing every time the baby looks willing to nurse, might do the trick. Sure
she can have some bottles around if she feels like the baby is desparately
hungry. But if the baby has a few days of constant, relaxed access to the
breast, you might just get over this hurdle.

Teresa Pitman
Guelph, Ontario

             ***********************************************
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