One of Paula Meier's recommendations is for the mom to try VERY EARLY ON to develop and maintain a milk supply of 150% of the infant's projected needs at a corrected gestational age of 40 weeks. This helps the premie get through the vulnerable borderline period of 34 - 42 weeks where she finds they can latch but don't always move enough milk. Here the premies often go home at 34/35 weeks. High volume combined with finishing the first side, some lactoengineering, breast compression, test weights and continued pumping to support the high milk supply for 2 - 4 weeks past discharge all help support the sometimes marginal feeding abilities of the NICU graduate. When they go home they are NOT just like a full term newborn. They still have special needs and vulnerabilities. This is all from my memory of readings and conferences. Please don't think I am quoting Paula here. If you can hear her speak do so, she is wonderful. Her multiple journal papers are also great. Be aware, she publishes widely and is not always the lead author. I also like the booklets published by Ross for moms and for nurses. I am aware of the political side of that endorsement and am not wishing to "go there" now. Paula also sells papers from her Milk Club, which are very helpful. Write to her for details. Carla *********************************************** 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