What a day !
First, a mother a six children having problems with milk production calls
and cancels an appointment for 1pm. Seems that baby was so angry at being
offered a cup (my suggestion) instead of the bottle that he decided to
breastfeed properly !  Now suckling vigorously, and swallowing at each
suckling movement for at least 6 minutes on each breast, and gaining
weight. Still has cups for supplementation, takes it and hates it.  Mom
feels milk finally increasing and is willing to offer the breast every 2
hours, to avoid the dreadful cup.

Then a call from wayyyy up North. Huge Baby was not gaining at 21 days.
Mom was pumping when she could, and pretty discouraged too. Now, back at
home with a rented pump, and supplementing with a bottle for a few days,
then a cup, baby is finally gaining weight, and breasfeeding more
efficiently. Mom is now contemplating nursing every 1.5 to 2 hours to
increase supply and do without supplements.

Now, what are the chances of success for the mother of a 29 months old
still breastfeeding to relactate for the adopted baby of a friend ? Baby
has cleft palate, and would certainly benefit from BM. However, the bfing
friend works full-time, and kid takes the breast from once (rarely) to
four times a day (on week-end), most often twice a day on week days.
Adopting mother never had babies, thus never breastfed. The friend will
try only if chances of success are good, with not too much effort, as she
is quite busy with job, other children and housekeeping. You opinion ?

Louise Denhez, M.D., M.P.H
Chargee d'enseignement clinique
Departement de medecine sociale et preventive