<< I have helped a few mothers to relactate or try to relactate and nothing discourages them more than to speak with another LC or a doctor who plants the idea that they probably won't be able to do so or that most women can't. >> and <<I have the opposite problem, -- meaning I work with moms who think relactation is easy. There seems to be a myth floating around that all one has to do is take fenugreek.>> Two sides to similar issues! Where do we "draw the line" in realistic expectations and unrealistic hopes? If you plant the idea that "every woman can do this," how do we balance realistic expectations versus unrealistic hopes? In this area, I am blessed with numerous mothers who want to breastfeed their babies with cleft palates/lips. In 10 years, I have had contact with over 20 mothers with cleft-affected babies. The literature is very hopeful, "If you try hard enough, your baby will be able to breastfeed" which leaves many a mother feeling very sad if her baby was not able to latch and breastfeed. (which has been the case, more often than not) The literature is very positive, but realistically? The mothers get very hopeful, and then when it doesn't happen, they are almost desperate. They feel like they haven't tried hard enough, they feel badly that they have to supplement, they are angry that the literature tells them if they try hard enough they can do it, and they've tried really hard! I feel this sets them up for a tremendous let-down, because at least around here (no physician support, medicated deliveries, premature inductions) the babies are starting off at a deficit. Should we not tell them that this may not happen, or do we let them find out for themselves? Still learning, Heather "Sam" Doak Marietta Ohio *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html