Dear Friends:
     Oh dear.....
     I spoke with the mother this morning at 10 AM; she was nursing while
speaking to me and having a feed that she rated a 8 out of maximal 10 for
comfort. Last night was rough, as baby wanted to bf every hour. We spoke
about getting through each day, sometimes each hour and that she was doing an
incredible job with her baby. I told her I would call again tonight.
     I just got off the phone with her. She's weaned. Her nipples were
continuing to crack, even while pumping with a mini-electric to soften the
breast before a feed. She was just too miserable. She doesn't even want to
try pumping and bottle-feeding.
     I told her that she had done the best that she could, that none of it
was her fault or her baby's fault, and that next time, it can be 100%
different. I advised her about watching out for mastitis and gave some
comfort techniques for drying up. I also told her that I would check in with
her in a few days.
     And I am wondering if I got too excited about the baby's achievements
and didn't focus enough on her. She did describe the bf as a 7 out of a
maximal 10 last night, when I was there, and seemed so relaxed and happy when
I left that I felt she could stay committed to bf. I am so sad and angry; sad
for her, and angry at the staff that all contributed to this premature
weaning.
    Sadly,
Nikki Lee RN, MSN, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CIMI, CCE, craniosacral therapy
Adjunct faculty, Union Institute and University, Maternal and Child Health:
Lactation Consulting
Supporting the WHO Code and the Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative

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