I had an unusual experience this weekend at the hosptial where I do lactation "rounds" occasionally. Out of the eight patients, only one was breastfeeding (how unusual, it's usually all breastfeeders!) and she was doing great. One mom had a stillbirth, so I strolled in to help with breast care. Then I decided to go "help" the bottle feeders . I found that I was rusty on my "how to dry up your milk" speech, which I had to give to all the other mothers after finding that they were dedicated bottle feeders. The nurse on the floor was telling the moms to go find a tight fitting bra, a version of the old "bind your breasts" theory. So, the question: What do you tell mothers who are weaning at birth? Here are some options: * Ice packs (Marie Biancuzzo) * decreased stimulation (Marie Biancuzzo) * watch for signs of plugged ducts, milk fever (Lawrence) & mastitis (Aurebach/ Riordan) * relieve fullness by breast pump/ warm shower (Aurebach/Riordan) (Lawrence) * put the baby to breast to relieve fullness (my secret plan to convert) * cabbage leaves * wear a supportive bra (not a binding bra) What would you say/ add? Terriann Shell, IBCLC Big Lake, Alaska *********************************************** 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