Bravo Dr. Jack -- your post of October 25th -- I most certainly agree with
you.  Since we are taking a walk on the dark side, it has been hinted at that
there are those who would prescribe Depo Provera for the mother before she
leaves the hospital after having her baby being led to believe that she may
not go home until she has "her shot."  This is done to "help" elilminate the
chance that she will become pregnant again anytime soon possibily because of
several previous pregnancies, poverty, and/or possibly an abusive/controlling
home situation...  These are some of the very same mothers who have contacted
me because of a low milk supply at two or three weeks.  Well meaning
professionals -- possibly.  Misguided -- absoluely.  Controlling -- most
definitely.

If the hormone is not the culprit -- and I do believe it CAN be a very large
part of the problem -- breastfeeding frequency and duration play a very large
role also.  It still needs to be determined that the baby is effectively
moving milk and if the mother is paying attention to frequency and duration.
 I have seen mothers nurse for 5 or 10 minutes, baby pulls off the breast or
falls asleep so mom ends the nursing session.  Mom thinks baby is GOOD,
especially if baby sleeps for 3, 4 or more hours and only takes a small
portion of her time.  These are very often the mothers who have also had the
shot.  They may also be supplementing with "you know what."  When asked if
they were exclusively BF they say YES!  But then when asked if they are
giving their babies formula, they say OF COURSE!

I do have to admit that I have talked to many mothers who have had the shot
also and have gone on to have a wonderfully abundant milk supply.  I can also
almost guarantee that these mothers were in fact EXCLUSIVELY BF their babies.
 And not giving ABM to their babies OF COURSE!

As far as screaming physicians, charge nurses and other powers that be,  How
rude!!!  A brief explaination would have sufficed.  Stacey has plenty of
company of being treated in such a horrid manner.  Controlling, yes.
 Threatened, absolutely. Don't try mentioning Cranial Osteopathy and frenulum
clips.  EXPLOSIVE!

Linda Barrett, IBCLC