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Date: | Tue, 30 Aug 2005 13:52:11 EDT |
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In a message dated 8/30/2005 9:30:52 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, Kellie
writes:
The mother has spoken with an excellent IBCLC in our are who agrees with
her about continuing to breastfeed on cue, whether for nutrition or
comfort. Unfortunately, neither the IBCLC or I have anything concrete to
offer her related to this specific situation.
I would see that a bit differently. We have mountains of research on the
benefits of breastfeeding on cue....at any age and for all reasons, not just
nutrition. Breastfeeding a toddler is the biologic norm. What research does
the OT have to suggest that we should abandon all that is known to be good for
this baby in this situation? What has the OT said in relation to what she
sees as the potential problems/harm in nursing this baby on cue?
For a baby who is having difficulty with foods, it makes no sense in my mind
to remove what good nutrition she has, even if it is in small doses, as in
"comfort nursing". Past Lactnet discussions have included cases where the
mother weaned (per Dr.) to "get the baby to eat". Baby still didn't eat *and*
lost the nutrition of breastmilk. Further, if the baby has sensory issues, it
is quite possible that she experiences comparatively little pleasure in her
life, at least not in healthy ways. Nursing offers a positive sensory
experience for this little one in the midst of many aversive ones.
The mother is in need of information she can bring to the OT related to
breastfeeding and children with Sensory Integration Disorder.
I published an article in JHL a few years ago on this. I wish I knew then
what I know now, as there would be additional info. Cathy Watson-Genna has
published in LLL and Madela mags. Both of us focused more in a younger infant.
To my knowledge, that is *all* there is in print about SID and
breastfeeding. My hunch has continued to be that most babies with SID wind up
bottle-feeding. Hence we know less than we should.
When I present on this topic I encourage LCs to make the referrals to OTs,
but remind them that more often than not the LC may have to be teaching the OT
about normal breastfeeding as they go along. Many OTs are not trained in
the breastfeeding infant.
I received a very similar call to this last week (same woman?). I know her
OT. She uses Babywise for her kids and is very entrenched in the philosophy.
She will not listen to information to the contrary. I asked the mother
what research the OT had provided to substantiate her advice. Mother said that
the OT said that "all the research" said that schedule-feeds were the best
(despite what I have told her).
There you have it.
Nancy Williams, MA, MFT, IBCLC, CCE
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