>Hi all! Well, so much for requesting ideas! But in case any one is >interested, I'll update you. I feel as if I'm talking to air. I know you >are out there or do I? > >THe asian couple I spoke of 2 days ago who took baby off breast because of >their anxiety regarding not knowing how much their baby was getting, and >their correct sense that she was not getting enough at breast--is now back to >breast. Mom's supply is down and she supplements at night because the baby >will only accept a bottle during sleep at night. (This child refuses SNS and >will not take bottle or anything else that is put to the lips, unless it is >mom.) > >The thing that i think is amazing is that the infant knew what she wanted and >finally got through to the parents. Last week she had this look about her, >almost of defiance, but what it must have been was sadness at being not >allowed to breastfeed! I always say "SHe knows what is best! " and chuckle >to myself . In this case however, since Mom's supply is down, and usual >methods of supplementing are not working, except at night, several >times--there is quite a burden placed on Mom who works hard at night to >supplement and pump. I suggested to Dad that he might be able to help at >night with bottle feedings--I learned a few other things that were not >helping her to increase supply, such as feeding one side only and not >attemping to wake baby to feed other, and not pumping the unfed side, because >of mistaken notion that she would make more milk that way. I used your >running water in sink analogy , Karen, and it helped.. > >This Mom needed so much basic teaching. I wish I could have worked with her >3 and 1/2 months ago when she only needed confidence boosters and good info.. > WHat remains to be seen is what will happen when they try and feed this kid >solids--remember, the parents force fed her cereal for 2 weeks. > >If I could get just one response on this then I'll know that lactnet did get >my message and that I'm not really talking to air. Cindy, rn, ibclc, etc, >mother of new college student, masters student herself, scared to death >after reading 3 coursepaks., > >Cindy, I just read your message and I am sorry no one responded to your request for advice. I have been out on vacation and did not read your original posting. I am not a lactation consultant but I supervise two breastfeeding counselors in Tucson who provide breastfeeding support to Hispanic WIC mothers. So, I would not be the best source of professional advice. I do think from what you wrote that you did a great job with this mom. Its frustrating to remember that the best you can do is give them the information and hope they make the best choices. There was probably a cultural barrier also. I am a dietitian so if I can help when this couple starts the baby on solid foods let me know. Good luck! Laura Aldag a mother of two and thinking about starting a ph.D....scary!