Lisa wrote: <After reading the article about the 10 yr. old child who died, I wonder if someone could explain the proper rebirthing technique in regard to breastfeeding, and what the indications for use might be. How does this technique work?> A year or so ago when I first read of this unfortunate case in Colorado, I decided then and there (and posted to LN) that I was immediately discontinuing the use of the term because of the tragic association. Others may be able to give the reference, and I think there is a movie available on it. But I remember at a convention several years ago hearing a speaker describe her "rebirthing" research in having mothers co-bathe with their babies if the baby was not "catching on" to the idea of rooting, or if the baby had formed a (rubber) nipple preference. I believe her idea was that in utero, the baby is constantly surrounded by fluid and maternal flesh stimulating the skin, which of course is the largest sense organ. Her reasoning was that the bathing skin to skin, tummy to tummy with mom reminded the baby of some primitive sensations, and the baby seemed inspired to skip over the actual birth traumas and intervening events and take up where the liquid sensations originally left off, and go straight to the natural instincts for feeding initiation present in an unmedicated birth. Of course, the mother needs a third person assisting for safety's sake, and the depth of water possible in a standard tub, depending on the mother's size, may require some constant pouring of water over the baby's body to better awaken the memories. I have since wondered whether the same sensations might be produced by having the mother sit in a chair in the shower, with water gently trickling onto the baby's body over her shoulder opposite the breast used to entice the baby. Our recent discussion about cord care, water, etc. fits in well in the early days, as some mothers are afraid to try this when the cord is still on. I have tried this with at least two mothers and was amazed at the baby's prompt reaction. It did not transfer to "dry land" right away, but using the technique twice a day for a week or less finally did the trick. Mom and dad were absolutely thrilled. It is important that mom understands that she is not expected to "work" or "perform" or make deliberate efforts to get the baby to latch. Mom (with colostrum oozing from the nipple) just needs to be encouraged to relax and enjoy, and be where the baby can "hang out" next to her for as long as they care to and smell and feel her, and then just do what comes naturally. But I now use the term "co-bathing", even though I explain the probable process from the framework of re-birthing. I simply will not use that term. Jean ***************** K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC Dayton, Ohio USA *********************************************** 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