In a message dated 99-09-10 13:31:23 EDT, you write:
<< HOWEVER, (depending on the age of the nursling and the sexual habits of
the couple) I would hazard a guess that the sexual activity is MUCH LESS
FREQUENT than the bf sessions are. So does this caveat really apply? >>
'Twould seem it might apply even more to the breastfeeding then... The effect
of oxytocin via breastfeeding MER during a pregnancy at high risk for preterm
labor/birth is unknown vis-a-vis solid research/evidence-based info. However,
it seems a logical primary prevention-oriented step for HPs to recommend
eliminating "controllable," deliberate exposure to oxytocin (and
prostaglandins) in a pregnant uterus that is statistically vulnerable for
preterm labor/birth via MER, intercourse, self-stim, etc.
<< I do *NOT* advocate pumping and bottlefeeding over feeding from the
breast, unless that is the only way I can see the mother is willing to make
an effort at offering her milk to baby. >>
Bravo, Veronica. I don't see how it's a matter of advocating pumping and
bottle-feeding vs. breastfeeding. If the mother has been informed of the
benefits vs. risks of various options re: her milk vs. ABM, long-term
pumping, psychosocial differences in feeding method, etc., and she makes a
choice to breast-milk-feed or partially breastfeed or whatever, it is her
informed choice. You can't "make" a mother feed in a way she doesn't
want--sooner or later she'll find a way to undermine a choice that doesn't
"fit" her reality. Better to partially breastfeed or breast-milk-feed than
for her baby to get none of the benefits of her milk. And as you've found,
some babies do find themselves at the breast after mom gets comfortable with
the pump and her own milk--then again others do not, but they still are
getting a better food. How often might bfg "advocates" accidently push so
hard that a baby who might have gotten at least some of mom's milk some way
now gets none?
Laurie, re: the 5 week old "resisting" the breast--it's taken weeks for some
of the mothers of multiples in our group to get one or more to go to breast,
but eventually most go when mom is patient. ("Patience" being a relative term
as I imagine 5 weeks probably seems like 5 years to this poor mom just now.)
There's a mother of twins on a listserv for mothers of multiples I'm part of
whose babies resisted and resisted the breast to the point she basically
"gave up" and pumped and bottle-fed. (Or maybe it was just one twin--I can't
recall anymore.) However, she occasionally offered the breast. At 7 months
they/the one suddenly latched on and both have been bfg like troopers ever
since. She had this story on a web site--it is amazing! I can't find the
address now, but could post the other list to see if I can get it again if
any here would find the hope contained in it of value to discouraged
mothers...
Pat, re: breast reduction and later breastfeeding: << So..... what do you
think? Are there any "safe" surgery techniques that could help her? >>
I think if I was this young woman and her mother, we'd be discussing possible
techniques and effects on later breastfeeding with various Board-approved
plastic surgeons (at separate meetings) who clearly understand that a main
point of the discussion focuses on post-op ability to bfd. We'd also be
discussing cosmetic vs. potential long-term health consequences, if any, and
potential severity and early signs/symptoms of such consequences for the
specific young woman in question. Postponement until after her family is
complete might be option to discuss... And I'd want refs for/against any
points discussed. Then I'd go and do my own Medline search--or maybe I'd do
that first. (I've also heard there's a listserv for women breastfeeding--or
trying to--after breast reduction but I've not been there and I'm not sure
how to get there.)
BTW, several weeks/months ago I heard Dr. Laura discourage a young woman who
was considering a reduction due to the possible effect on her ability to
breastfeed. (This young woman wanted the surgery mainly for cosmetic vs.
health reasons.) Dr. L told tje young women to think very carefully about
anything that might jeopardize the opportunity to nourish her baby this way
and share the specialness of the breastfeeding relationship. She then went on
to describe the wonders of bfg.
Karen
***********************************************
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
|
