What to do?

Without trying to be all judgmental etc, I'm a bit concerned about one of the ladies from my antenatal class coffee group. Just a few niggly things that don't seem quite...right, IYKWIM.

She commented yesterday that she's trying to limit her drinking in order to stop her milk supply (she's weaning to formula for her son to go to daycare). She also commented that she's not really eating at all, just isn't hungry. But then gets huge cravings for fizzy drink in the middle of the afternoon. We tried to explain to her that she needs to eat, and drink water, and that will help with the need for sugary liquid, but I'm not sure it went in.

There are a few other things, mainly mothercraft things like warming milk and the 8 layers of clothes, but it's her own health I'm worried about.

Normally I would never post something like this, I REALLY don't want to sound picky or judgemental or anything. It's just been on my mind all night and I'm not sure what to do.

I'm thinking of calling Plunket and letting them know, just cos I know she has her next nurse visit next week. Perhaps they could bring it up in a nice way (ie NOT say that someone ratted on her!), just maybe ask her what she's eating/drinking during the day, how she prepares his bottles etc. I just think she needs some help, she has no family here in NZ and seems lost.

Any thoughts?

Is there a way of Plunket bringing it up in a diplomatic way, so as not to implicate you or any others from you anti-natal class.

As sometimes it can be really difficult to ask for help even when you need it.

It may end up being nothing, but if it gives you peace of mind to know someone is worried about her I'd do it.

i think its none of your business. you have offered advice and thats all you can do. if she is going to go to formula then what she eats/drinks wont matter anyway. (besides i have found that quite often what people say to coffee groups etc isnt always the whole truth!)

It does sound like a tough one.

I know no one likes telling another mum what to do and trying to get the message through to her without her being offended will be tough.

Getting some advice from Plunket would be good.

I hope it all works out.

I have to agree with Bizzy.. don't think it's your place to say anything either.

So often I have read threads from mums here complaining about busybodies who make comments to them at the supermarket about their child - it sounds much like that to me. At the end of the day, you don't live in that household so you don't really know what the deal is. I don't think anyone has a right to say anything unless they can see or know a mum or child is in actual physical danger.

Plunket nurses aren't stupid, they will be weighing the baby and would probably see if a child isn't getting what they need.

That's my opinion anyway

hmmmm. tough one.

I would call your local family centre and ask their advice (not plunket line). The only thing that worries me is that you mentioned the bottle prep. Messing around with that can make babies really sick. I don't like getting involved with things like that either but we have that little voice in our heads for a good reason.