RE: [ozmidwifery] Breast Milk Urgently.

[Sally Westbury]

I just wanted to let you know the amazing story about this call for breast milk.   A friend in Exmouth got really sick and was evacuated by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Perth, leaving Exmouth about 9pm. Initially they thought that the baby, Edyn, would come down with her but as mum was on some nasty drugs she wanted some breast milk for an interim time until she was off the worst of the drugs so the called me, their midwife, to try to source some for them.   I phone some of my clients and the first two I called both said, I have plenty of breast milk but have trouble expressing could I just breast feed the baby. So I phoned back to Exmouth (they were still waiting for the RFDS to come) and asked the mother if she would consider this. She responded asking me ‘would I trust my life with these women?” I told her I would. She the said she thought she would be too ill to care for her baby and would I take her baby until she was well enough and get the women who had offered to breast feed the baby. I said I would.   They were unable to transport her 7 month old, fully breast fed baby with her and so dad was left holding the baby (plus caring for 4 other children. He tried to give her formula in a bottle but she would have none of it! She would drink water and he convinced her to eat some baby food. Dad and babe finally arrived in Perth at 9.30pm I went to pick them up along with one of the wonderful mum’s who had offered to breast feed the little baby plus her two small sons!! We met then at the airport and Edyn was introduced to Helen and Helen offered her a breast feed in the airport lounge and to all of our amazement Edyn fed hungrily without a second look at Helen!! The Dad later told me that he felt close to tears when he saw his baby feeding as he had been so worried about her!!   I then took Dad and Edyn to visit with mum and then took Edyn to my home where Helen and her 2 boys had gone to sleep the night. The very adaptable Edyn slept with me for a couple of nights (what a shock for me who’s babe is 8 years old), breast fed from 2 wonderful women day and night until the worst of the drugs were finished and it was safe for her to breast feed from her mum again!!   Back at home the Exmouth community mobilized and cared for the 4 other girls left there day and night for about 1 week.   Now Edyn is back to breast feeding although she is very keen about baby food too!!   Sally Westbury Homebirth Midwife   "It takes courage to remain a true advocate for women, challenging authority and sacrificing social and professional acceptance. It takes courage for a woman to choose a caregiver who will truly advocate for and empower her."    -Judy Slome Cohain -----Original Message----- From: owner-[EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:owner-[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Sally Westbury Sent: Monday, 2 August 2004 7:41 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Breast Milk Urgently.   Anyone in perth got a client with lots of milk to spare. I have a friend who is dehydrated and going into hospital who would like to keep her baby on breast milk.   She is going into St Johns Subi.   Sally Westbury Homebirth Midwife   "It takes courage to remain a true advocate for women, challenging authority and sacrificing social and professional acceptance. It takes courage for a woman to choose a caregiver who will truly advocate for and empower her."    -Judy Slome Cohain