I spoke by phone with the mother of a 41 week AGA, 36-hour old baby girl, first-born by non-eventful vaginal delivery. Baby was red-faced furious at breast the first day; wouldn't latch enough for even one suckle. They offered a nipple shield, which seemed to improve B's wilingness to latch and suckle as the second day of life commenced. (Including --gag -- drops of formula on the nipple shield, cuz mom couldn't manually express any milk out.) Hospital says there has been a *9%* weight loss. Hmm. I am wondering about that ... I talked about LOTS of true skin-to-skin once the family gets home (at about Hour 42-44), and practicing manual expression to express drops to entice baby. Her Q is this: lying on her back is very uncomfortable (long labor; stitches for vaginal tears). Is skin-to-skin "as effective" if she is on her side, the baby snugged up into her tummy area? I gotta admit I was stumped. I am going to dig up my Kangaroo Care stuff, but am hoping someones here has a quick opinion. I understand that for premies, the instructions are pretty clear that the baby is to be lying chest-to-chest with mom (or dad). That full-body-hug can certainly assure the baby is kept toasty warm. But what about side-to-side for a full-termer, who appears to be just mad that she had to give up that perfect womb? (I told Mom to make sure they are draped with a receiving blanket or sheet to retain body heat -- have baby wearing a cap and maybe booties.) Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC Wyndmoor, PA, USA _________________________________________________________________ Find what you need at prices you’ll love. Compare products and save at MSN® Shopping. http://shopping.msn.com/default/shp/?ptnrid=37,ptnrdata=24102&tcode=T001MSN20A0701 *********************************************** 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 email list is powered by LISTSERV (R). There is only one LISTSERV. To learn more, visit: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html