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Subject:
From:
"Kermaline J. Cotterman" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 18 Apr 2001 21:18:35 -0400
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text/plain
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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

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