Thought some of you might be interested in some recent interesting patients
of mine.  One I have posted about with several questions, one is a very new
patient (born 2 days ago.)  I feel sometimes like I deal with an awful lot
of breastfeeding problems, so when I have some successes, it sure makes my day!
The mom I have posted about is involved in a divorce case.  She is
exclusively breastfeeding her youngest child, age 10 weeks.  Her attorney
has been very unhelpful in advocating for her, and her ex-husband was
requesting overnights and weekends.  I posted here asking for help writing a
letter to the court.  I was pointed to Elizabeth Baldwin's website, and
using some info there, I wrote a letter to the judge requesting that the
breastfeeding relationship be respected and encouraged.  There is a strong
family history of asthma and allergy, so breastfeeding is very important to
this infant.  The judge read my letter and denied the father's request for
overnights and weekends, and instead ordered short visits, and for the dad
to come to the baby.  This order is temporary, though, with the divorce case
to be heard in 1 month.  Mom was thrilled, though, and very relieved as well
to be able to continue breastfeeding.  I was really nervous about writing
such a letter, as I've never written to a judge before, but am pleased with
the outcome.
The other patient, whom I delivered 2 days ago, is such a good success story
so far, that he has cheered me up greatly.  Mom has chronic hypertension,
last baby was born at 30 wks, 2 1/2 lbs, after an abruption and severe
pre-eclampsia.  Baby was hospitalized for 3 months, on a vent, etc.  Mom
exclusively pumped and never was able to get baby to breast.  She was very
anxious to breastfeed this baby.  This pregnancy went better, but she
developed worsening BP, and intrauterine growth retardation.  We finally
induced at 38 weeks as baby was apparently no longer growing.  So mom had IV
fluids, pitocin, then narcotics during labor.  Baby was just 38 weeks, only
5 lbs.  Perfect set up for difficulty with getting going with breastfeeding.
 However, this baby is one of the best nursers I have ever seen!  Latched
immediately after birth like an old pro, and nurses beautifully.  Lost only
2 oz during hospital stay.  Mom is delighted, and it was very cheering to
see such a vigorous baby!  Now if I can just convince her husband that the
world won't end if her 11 yr old step-son sees her breastfeeding . . .
Jennifer Tieman, MD
Family Physician
Mom to 3, and new baby #4 expected 5/31/03

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