could you also start on some things to increase milk supply, such as oatmeal, herbs, teas, etc? 

Joylyn
--
You must be the change you wish to see in the world--Ghandi

---- Ilene Fabisch <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 
> Well I landed in MA at 5pm and was at my DIL's side by 8pm. Things  
> are not good I fear. I was able to diagnose
> a tongue tie in little Alexander.  I almost missed it as the little  
> guy is able to stick his tongue out past his lower gum
> but he can't elevate it and when really trying to stick it out you  
> can see the classic heart shape. He "plays" with
> his tongue a lot. I did a sweep and met up with the frenulum. So that  
> is one issue.  Next upon observation of my
> DIL's breasts I think she is at risk for a low supply as well. Her  
> breasts are widely spaced and conical shaped.
> I'm so worried.  I'm finding it VERY difficult to be the one to tell  
> her she may have insufficient glandular tissue!
> Basically I just asked her if she could fit her hands width between  
> her breasts to which she replied yes, then I
> gently said that was sometimes associated with a lower milk supply.  
> Now she's really thinking she's a failure.
> 
> Alexander hasn't gained at all since discharge, he is 7days old and  
> still 7lb 10.2oz as of last night. I did wind up
> bringing a scale and doing a pre/post wt. It was late in day and .8  
> oz transferred
> after a so so feed where he kept falling asleep. He's not adverse to  
> being at breast
> but sucks vigorously for several minutes (suck/swallow ratio is off  
> just a bit and you can see/hear some swallows but
> not what I'd expect at day 7) and then rests/sleeps.  Breast  
> compressions keep him interested for a little longer but the
> whole feed / breast is not more than maybe 8 min at which point with  
> baby off the breast, I only saw dribbles of milk when
> compression was done.  Interestingly even with the tongue tie he is  
> able to appear to latch well, looks deep, nice flange, large
> amount of areola taken in AND mom's nipple is not uncomfortable nor  
> lipstick shaped when released.
> 
> One point of confusion is he seems to be peeing and pooping  
> appropriately (although I haven't seen the poops yet myself).
> 
> They both seem to be in denial. When my son said "am I missing the  
> gravity of the situation?" as he sat there calmly while
> his wife was crying. I said YES!  I told them he needs either pumped  
> milk, donor milk or formula to supplement breastfeeds.
> While they didn't agree to the donor milk outright my son also said  
> "I'm not comfortable with formula". So I will buy them
> some donor milk today. Also going to try to get the frenulum clipped  
> today. While I'm sure it won't solve everything
> I'm sure it will help the little guy swallow better and be more  
> comfortable. I've got her set up with an electric pump
> and I hope she'll use it but they both have a lot of other stressors  
> in their life right now too and my DIL is sad and
> frustrated, Her words, " I did everything to keep you healthy and now  
> look".  I've told them nothing is irrepairable at
> this point but the baby needs to get fed. Dealing with a lactation  
> aid may put her over the edge so I told her using
> a bottle is OK and left a finger feeder with her as well.
> 
> YIKES..why is it LC families often meet up with so many challenges!   
> I'm too close to the situation and I'd love for
> another more experienced LC to try to help them through this. All  
> suggestions and offers of help accepted!
> 
> Ilene Fabisch, IBCLC
> Brockton, MA
> 
> 
> 
> 
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