Have you noticed many phone calls the day after Thanksgiving and
Christmas about "no milk" "fussy babies" "marathon nursing not at the
growth spurt" in young nurslings? I used to think it was because of all
the activity and extra handling of the newborn, until I discovered the
effects of sage on body secretions - dries 'em right up, it does.

So, if you are working with any newborns (<1 month or with any premie
moms whose milk supply is still being established), advise them not to
eat any sage dressing next week as it can impact their milk supply. The
milk returns quickly but why go through the hassle?

Point: Had a consult with an experienced nursing mom for the 3rd baby -
said she always had trouble with milk supply, never got a full supply
in, always had to supplement from the beginning, etc, etc. Heard about
me and decided to call early with #3. Did a visit - everything seemed
fine, big robust baby, good latch-on, - limited milk supply. The visit
was just before lunch and her doting husband brought her a great bowl of
steaming homemade chicken soup - his special recipe for his sweet wife.
Offered me a bowl, tasted great - unique flavors. "What did you put in
this to make it taste so good?" I asked. "Sage! Lots of it!" he said
beaming, "I always forget to add it except when we have a new baby!"  My
next task in that household was major marriage counseling and crisis
intervention, but I am glad to report the marriage is healthy, so is the
baby, and mom finally gained confidence that she could indeed produce
enough milk for her babies.

You never know where the answers to the problem are going to come from
(this is also why I have an exclusively home-visit based practice - I
get too much information IN the home which wouldn't be available during
an office visit).

Be blessed at Thanksgiving. Katharine