The research I did several years ago revealed no real difference in milk
volume by reporductive hx of mother. Only real difference was in the speed
with which some milk was first identified: as early as 1 week in mothers
who had birthed and breastfed previously, but the amount was virtually the
same regardless of the mother's experience: never pregnant, pregnant but
never lactated, pregnant and lactated 1 or more times.

Another concern I have that I always discuss is the mother's definition of
success. If it is milk-oriented, they tend not to do as well (with
parenting as well as breastfeedihng) as they do if they focus on attachment
with baby and parenting issues and view the milk volume as a wonderful
bonus.  Hence, the mothers with the greatest difficulty are those highly
committeed LLL leaders who have birthed and breastfed more than one baby.

PS Most of the stories about adoptive nursing are based on myths that we
did not find were supported when looking at nearly 250 adoptive nursing
experiences.Example: still nursing a baby will NOT make milk production
occur any faster or more completely than if not already nursing a baby.



         %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
         %% "We are all faced with a series of great  %%
         %% opportunities brilliantly disguised as    %%
         %% impossible situations" - definition of a  %%
         %% lactation consulting service.             %%
         %% Kathleen G. Auerbach, PhD, IBCLC          %%
         %% [log in to unmask]   Homewood, Illinois USA %%
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