help needed for a friend..

[Fleur]

Ok, first of all - not sure how it works in SA, but in QLD there are LCs attached to the hospital in clinics that you can see even after being discharged. If they have the same thing there, her MCHN might be able to put her onto one, or otherwise contact the hospital. It might be good for her to see someone in person?

I can't understand why she was told to feed 4 hourly?... that advice seems kind of out-dated? just me but I would say feed whenever bub seems to need it.
Especially if she is using shields, and he is so little, her supply isn't really established yet.

Babies usually have one side they prefer, so the shield might just help him along a bit until he is older. My DS was just a bit lazy & needed the help for a little bit - I just kept trying him without it until he eventually 'got it'. I think it was about 4 weeks or so before we stopped using them but I have heard of mothers who have BF for months with shields.

A lot of LC's don't like shields, but they worked fine for us. I'm pretty sure the current advice when using shields is to make sure that the breast is being emptied - sometimes milk supply can drop a bit , so it's a good idea to express a little bit off afterwards.

If he is feeding well from one side, and having plenty of wet & dirty nappies, then he is getting enough. Some babies will have a permanent preference for one side - her body will adjust to suit how bub is feeding.

Sounds like she is doing a great job & just needs a bit of support - she's lucky to have a friend like you