I have had a number of experiences of observing unilateral weaning.  In one
case, which I think I've described before on Lactnet, a nursing mother took
a blow from a soccor ball to the breast as she was watching an older child's
game from the side-lines.  While such a situation in no way approaches the
severity of trauma of a bomb blast, I don't think the issue of whether or
not one breast can be weaned is different.  The doctor in my case also
doubted that it could be done, but it was easily accomplished and the child
continued to nurse off the other side for a long time.  I've seen mothers
with abscesses dry up one side and I've also seen moms with abcesses
decrease supply significantly in the other breast and wean down and then
start back up.  In some traumatic circumstances, a woman's doctor may have
concerns that lactation will overly stress the "patient."  This is really a
lack of awareness that the mother and baby are a dyad rather than two
seperate patients.  Family members should help interpret the mother's deep
desires to contribute to the care of her injured child in this profound way.
My prayer is for an end to all violent conflict everwhere.

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com

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