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Subject:
From:
"Melinda Hoskins, MS, RN" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 27 Jan 1999 22:04:16 -0800
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I've been contrasting two recent experiences with teen moms in my mind,
since reading your post about the 14 year old.

My recent experience with a 12 year old mom, who ended up not
breastfeeding--a truly sad story, but of a very young mother who nearly
broke my heart when she said to me "I want to be the kind of mother to
my baby that a 24 year old would be."  and then 10 minutes later said
that she didn't want to participate in the school district's teen mother
program because it would just give her secretarial skills and "when I
grow up I want to go to college, so that I can really be a good parent
to my son."  She had very little support--step mom with her own 4 month
old, who resented her presence, mom who sent her to live with dad
because she didn't want her in the state where baby's father lives, lots
of other issues.

Currently I'm working with a 16 year old who has really had a hard hall
the last two months with a premature birth, partial placental abruption,
large blood loss, baby in NIC, mastitis at 1 week.  (My jaw clamping
baby if you saw those posts)  But a G'ma who is letting her be her
baby's mom, while at the same time mothering the 16 year old in so many
really supportive ways.  Breastfeeding is coming along.  Most days baby
takes breast exclusively, some days he gets a bottle too.

Some of the things we have done for the 16 year old

--teen breastfeeding video which mom, G'ma and I watched together and
then talked about.

Infant massage video and encouragement to do infant massage for baby.

Co-bathing, which everyone was afraid of but found that they loved.

Nikki Lee's advice to sleep together until the vaginal discharge
stops--encourages moms to have baby close.  I suggest that mom sleep
without a top or bra so that babe can be close without the loose
clothing issue.  Teens may be worried about leaking--tell them to put a
receiving blanket in the bed for mom and baby to lie on--can change it
whenever you need to without having to do the whole bed.  Use two to
double up if lots of leaking.

Avoid pacifiers--explain the rationale for this so that everyone
understands need for infant to spend lots of time at the breast and the
pacifier robs him of the will to nurse at breast.

Hope this helps.  I know of no reason mom would be unable to produce
milk if she experienced breast changes during pregnancy.  But also look
at social issues that may be causing extra stress.  If this mom wants to
breastfeed, she most likely will be able to do so.

Melinda Hoskins, MS, RN

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