Hi Karen
Hard, full breasts are NOT the normal state of being for breastfeeding
mothers - even at day eight.  Soft breasts are making milk.  Hard breasts
are not.  Please reassure this mother that all the signs are that this is
completely normal for her and her baby and certainly nothing to worry about.
(It would be prudent to warn her that the other breast will also soften soon
and that will be nothing to worry about either.)  Her baby is gaining
weight, I wager her output is fabulous.  If mum continues to feed the baby
as often as she shows signs of hunger (wriggling, grunting, sucking fists)
then all will be just fine.
I would be giving mum the tools to be reassure herself that her baby is
getting plenty to eat ... five heavy, wet one-use nappies in 24 hours. ( At
least 4 poos the size of the baby's palm in 24hrs for the first 6 weeks.
Thereafter poos that are unformed (even liquid) but may be infrequent.
Growing into and out of her clothes.  Meeting milestones.) and put her in
touch with the local chapter of a mother to mother support organisation so
she can begin to understand what 'normal' breastfeeding looks like.
Nina Berry
Australia

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome