| Number |
Date |
Name |
Please type or paste in your ... |
| 173 |
Tue Feb 12 15:54:25 EST 2013 |
Tara Wallingford |
I struggled with breastfeeding and never did it exclusively with my first, due to poor latch, support and education of myself. 5 years later, I changed my birth setting to be supportive of the first hour, More....I hired 2 postpartum doulas, I attended LLL meetings and had tons of support and information to back me up (I had also been practicing as a doula in those 5 years). The WORST happened. My son had a lip-tie that we could not get fixed until he was 6 weeks old. By then, I had 2 - 3 rounds of mastitis that would come and go (thinking I didn't need medication because symptoms would subside). At 7 weeks old, I went in for general surgery to remove a 500cc abscess in my left breast. Through the help of my LLL Leader, my doulas, midwife, husband, friends, local breast milk donors and the staff at the breast center; I was able to avoid formula and eventually pump and nurse again from that side. He is now almost a year a we still exclusively breastfeed. It is a huge triumph for him and myself, but not without disappointment. Numerous dentists and oral surgeons did not help us with his lip tie because we were on medicaid (thank goodness for the local children's hospital). And I truly discovered how unknowledgeable most doctors are about how to support a breastfeeding mother. Our family practitioner did not know current protocols when it came to medication in breastmilk. Good thing I knew! |
| 172 |
Wed Jan 23 11:23:26 EST 2013 |
Elisabeth Epperson |
When my first baby was born, I was all set to breastfeed. I had already been to my local La Leche League meetings throughout my entire pregnancy. But a couple months after she was born I had a mysterious More....illness that eventually led to weaning my baby at only 2 1/2 months. However, I had a lot of support from my local La Leche League group. I was already devastated but it would have been worse had they not assured me that it was possible to re-lactate once I had regained my health. Once the doctors figured out what was wrong, I had lost all my milk and my baby was long used to bottles. It took a long time to get my milk back and to teach my baby how to nurse again, but by 7 1/2 months we had done it. I even reached a full milk supply by the time my baby was 9 months old. Thanks to La Leche League and the wonderful mothers and leaders there, I had the support and the knowledge that gave me back what in my opinion the most important thing I could give my baby, the nourishment that would set the stage for her long term health and development, and the close nurtering relationship that comes from nursing your child. |
| 171 |
Sat Jan 19 20:42:19 EST 2013 |
Anonymous |
My first child was born in 1985. I was married but far from my mother or any other relatives. La Leche League was extremely helpful and supportive as I launched into breastfeeding for years. My next More....two babies were born in 1988 and 1991. They all breastfed for as long as they wanted. Now they area all grown up and have become healthy, upstanding young men who love their parents and have a positive outlook on the word at large. They are contributing to society and enjoying life. I'm a proud mother and still grateful for the LLLI support I received in the 1980s and 1990s. |
| 170 |
Thu Nov 01 14:05:04 EDT 2012 |
Shakeeta Williams |
I had a very rough & short breastfeeding relationship with my daughter so when my son was born 2 years later, I was determined to make it past 3 months of breastfeeding. One thing I did differently was More....to attend LLL meetings and I'm so glad I did. My local leader has done so much to encourage me that I'm doing the best thing for my son and that he is healthy & growing form my milk. She also helped me to determine my son's tongue tie and gave us some suck exercises to do after he had it clipped. I would have plenty of restless nights worrying about my son if it wasn't for her! |
| 169 |
Mon Aug 27 12:30:40 EDT 2012 |
Anonymous |
I nursed my two children exclusively for a total of four years. My daughter (birth year: 1988), nursed for nine months; my son (birth year: 1993), for 3.3 years. During each of those timeframes, More....I received an enormous outpouring of support, education, and encouragement from not only my (never-before breastfed) mother, sister, and grandmother, but also my local La Leche League chapter, and a dear friend who, in addition to being a new mom herself was also (and remains today) a CRNP and active La Leche League leader. This incredible woman, more than anyone else in my life, made all the difference in my breastfeeding experience. My marriage was not the strongest, but due to the kindness and support of the female members of my family and my dear friend. I was also blessed with a number of peers who shared my values and dedication to "children first", and I even found a great deal of common ality with a number of new online breastfeeding friends via chat rooms, bulletin boards, and eventually in-person meet-ups (remember that this was in the late 80s and early 90s, when the internet was a new concept! I was an early adapter, and I still consider a number of those online supporters as close friends.
I will always remember my breastfeeding years as some of the happiest in my adult life, and it was not only because of the benefits to my children and myself, but also because of the deep and abiding relationships that were forged as a result. I am extremely proud to announce that today my own first-born daughter is nursing her newborn, and I am there to support her every step of the way.
With LLLove,
Susan |
| 168 |
Fri Aug 24 13:24:05 EDT 2012 |
Janelle Wright |
Dear Member of Congress:
Hello I would like to introduce myself. My name is Janelle Wright. I was a WIC Peer Counselor for two counties in Ohio. Clark and Champaign. This week I was laid off More....from my Clark County position because of the cuts. So I am currently only working in Champaign (ten hours a week). I feel so sad for the mothers and babies who are mostly affected by these cuts. Of course I am sad that I lost my job. I am just a hard working Ohio mother of two, married, mortgage, struggling pay check to pay check like most families. This job loss hits my family directly. Hard. Not only does it affect my family it affects the hundreds of mothers and babies who will no longer benefit from my services. And in 2013 the thousands of mothers and babies that will no longer have a peer helper. Maybe you do not realize what we do. I can not tell you how many babies I have helped to latch on and receive colostrum from their mother right in the WIC office. Because, in the hospitals they did not breastfeed for numerous reasons. Then they come home and call us and they come in to the office and we help them get the babies to latch on and start breastfeeding and the baby starts getting those precious immunities right before your very eyes. Its amazing. In a world like this, that is a job we need. A very, very important job. I have educated so many pregnant moms on what breastfeeding is and why it is so healthy for the baby. Most moms come in not knowing a single thing about breastfeeding. After we give them the information and talk with them most leave the office excited, encouraged and ready to breastfeed. Imagine all the money we have saved WIC offices in free formula. All of those moms who would have done formula from the get- go because they thought breastfeeding and formula were the same. I have personally helped hundreds of babies get breastmilk from their mothers. And Im just one peer helper. Imagine all of us combined. Taking away the peer helper position is an insult to humanity. Babies are the most innocent and they deserve it from our American leaders to be taken care of. They are our future. If our future generation is just thought of as a formula company profit then that shows what we think of humanity. Just think of our future generation. Fat, unhealthy low IQ'S, numerous health problems including asthma, allergies, and cancer. Oh wait that sounds like our current generation. Ok well that gives you something to think of- Imagine that only worse. Much worse. We have a chance to do something really great here. America doesnt have very high breastfeeding rates as compared to the rest of the world. Lets redeem ourselves. Just think of your own child, or grandchild, or yourself not getting your mothers colostrum or being able to breastfeed. Please fun the breastfeeding Peers. Please.
Thank You
Janelle Wright |
| 167 |
Sat Aug 11 17:37:55 EDT 2012 |
tara beatty |
My mother and grandmothers did not breastfeed. It wasn't an image I was exposed to growing up, but my two sisters had their first children not long before I had my son and they set a wonderful example More....of how it could be done. After I saw that, I was determined. My goal was 12 months of breastfeeding with zero formula. My son is now 31 months and still nurses, but just at bedtime now. We made it without a drop of formula. It was not without challenges, but I had enough pro-breastfeeding support in my life that it was possible. I was supported by my sisters, my husband, the LLC at my birth center, a breastfeeding and returning to work class, an on-call LLC, a moms' group and friends who also breastfeed. They were supportive by setting a good example, helping me troubleshoot when there were challenges, helping me plan for returning to work, and sometimes just by saying positive things. What really didn't help were friends who don't understand breastfeeding or think it is "gross" or told me I should quit by the time he is 6 months. Everyone can help make it easier by learning that it is natural and healthy and by not judging moms for their choices to BF or not. It is truly one of the best experiences of my life and I'm so glad that I chose to be persistent and stick with it. |
| 166 |
Thu Aug 09 08:26:49 EDT 2012 |
Cara McMillan |
Before I even got pregnant, I knew I would breastfeed. It was just assumed because that was what was best for my baby. At that time, I had the goal of not using formula for the first 3 months. I've More....now made it almost 9 months with no formula & am sure my son will never have any! Once my son was born & I figured out how to latch him during my hospital stay (with lots of help from the lactation consultants at the hospital!), we had a good first week. I had heard how hard the first 2 weeks are, so I thought I was doing great. Then I got thrush that lasted for 2 months! It was so painful I would have preferred to go through labor again instead. During this time I got great support from my husband (who always would calmly help me latch our son through many tears from me), from the lactation consultants at the hospital (who I was able to call & visit for free!), & from my son's pediatrician. We made it past that & I haven't had any pain since. I am SO glad I stuck it out because breastfeeding has proved to be one of the best things for my child. He has severe GERD & (had) colic. These issues caused him to cry a LOT, even past 3 months, and the one thing that always calmed him was nursing. It was a god-send when nothing else would work- and there were many times that was true! Overall, I am lucky to be supported by many people- my husband, mother & father (who is also my boss), in-laws, friends, cousins, lactation consultants & my son's pediatrician. I have also found that breastfeeding is a sticky subject- many women who formula fed are defensive about it & put down breastfeeding. I do not judge anyone for how they feed their child, I just know breastfeeding is what is right for me & my family. But I have learned to be careful how I talk about my feeding choice to people I don't know well, which was an interesting discovery for me. I hope to be an inspiration to those around me & give support to other women breastfeeding in the future! |
| 165 |
Thu Aug 09 02:13:35 EDT 2012 |
Anonymous |
I just had my first child 2 1/2 months ago, at 36. The lactation consultants in the hospital, even though they helped with the latch, were so strict that made me feel uncomfortable. My baby wouldn't latch More....or suck, and spent 8 hours on his secon day of life without a wet diaper, or waking up, because he got dehydrated from not sucking. The lactation consultant was scolding me ror reaching for the formula bottle. Otherwise my baby would have needed an IV. The pediatrician was great, he made me feel like a good mom. He said, do what is best for your child at all times, and you will be the best mother ever, today what is best is to give him the formula, as long as he takes at least a bit of your milk, he will get te benefit. Do your best, but don't jeopardize the baby's health.
I did just that and every day the baby will take more breast feedings. Now at two and a half months all his feedings are breast milk, from the bottle when at day care, at the breastcat home. The pediatrician gave me support and confidence |
| 164 |
Wed Aug 08 22:24:19 EDT 2012 |
Holly Jackson |
I was fortunate enough to have an older sister who had breastfed 4 children before I had my son. She was my go to person for any questions I had. I spent a great deal of time on the phone with her asking More....about latching on, my engorgement, sore nipples, etc. She had also made breastfeeding normal in my family (I was not breastfed as a child). I attended my local La Leche League meetings a few times which was helpful to talk with other mothers currently nusrsing as I was and those that had successfully nursed in the past. I was also supported by a mom's group that I attended after about a year. This was the Holistic Mom's Network. They validated and supported my extended breastfeeding (I nursed my son till he was 3 yrs) as well as breast feeding in public places. I am very fortunate that I had so much support. I know others who were not so lucky or did not seek support and were not as successful at nursing. I am still nursing my 2 1/2 year old second son. I had experience on my side the second go around. |
| 163 |
Wed Aug 08 21:13:16 EDT 2012 |
Meredith Napolitano |
I was reflecting on the need for support today as I drove home from a World Breastfeeding Week event. When my first daughter was born, I knew I was going to nurse her. I knew it would have ups and downs More....and it was something I would need to figure out, but my type AAAA personality still had me reading THREE, yes THREE, complete books solely on breastfeeding before she was born, as well as taking a breastfeeding class.
My first was actually a pretty easy baby to nurse. But there were still moments where she'd cluster feed for hours, or scream while she ate or not poop for days and I didn't know if that was normal! And after her two week appointment and weight check, I realized I wouldn't get her weighed again for another six weeks. That was really scary to me. There were no measuring devices on me to figure out if I was doing this right.
I looked online and found a local La Leche League that met once a month. I went once and really hated it. Not my thing, not my people. I was hoping to meet other new moms, but the group consisted of two moms who had elementary school kids and hadn't nursed in years (thought, bizarrely, were wearing nursing tanks). I was really disappointed. I went home, and naturally, posted on Facebook my disappointment.
Within minutes, three people told me about a group that met weekly at a local hospital. They said it was really well attended, you could weight your baby, was lead by a lactation consultant, and it was an amazing community of support. So I decided to try it.
I still remember driving to that hospital the first time and feeling SO SURE this group really didn't exist, since I hadn't found it online and was going off the advice of people I only communicated with on Facebook. I was talking to my friend on the way there and was pretty sure I was chasing something that didn't exist, and even telling her I was going to turn around and go home before I embarrassed myself. Then I saw several moms with strollers in the parking lot and I stealthily followed them. And I am SO GLAD I did.
That group was everything I hoped for and more. Babies from one week (or less) to over a year, and moms helping moms! I immediately looked for moms with babies who looked about the same age as mine. It took a few weeks of small talk and reintroducing ourselves, but slowly, friendships started. That big group became a staple in my schedule.
As it turned out, a group of us who all had July/August/September babies went back to work at the same time and knew we couldn't attend a 10 am group anymore. But amazingly, one of the leaders had started an evening group for working moms. From 5-6:30 once a week, we could not only share our trials and ups and downs of nursing, but of daycare, pumping, sleeping, milestones, routines and everything we could think of. After only a few weeks, a group of us turned from "moms who see each other at group" to friends. I can't speak for what they got out of it, although I have some ideas, but they got me through some really emotional, trying and frightening parts of that first year of being a new mom, and a working mom. When my daughter got sick and was diagnosed with a severe autoimmune blood disorder and we couldn't make it to group for a few months, they kept me in the loop, kept me included, sent cards, and made it clear that they were there for me, however I needed them. When other parts of my support system faltered, they picked me up.
We all weaned our babies at various times around that one year mark. We stopped attending group. But we didn't let that support system die. Thanks to texting, Facebook, and playdates, we have stayed friends, and even better, our KIDS have become friends. They went from sitting in carriers as we talked, to rolling and crawling on mats (as we talked) to chasing each other (um, as we talked. And chased them). Most of the girls are working, but we have really made the effort to try for a playdate about once a month. Again, can't speak for them, but I really look forward to those days!
Today two of those girls and I went to the World Breastfeeding Event at the hospital. I'm nursing again, but group isn't something I've been able to do with a lively toddler, so it's been a while. We missed the walk but we made it to the celebration. The current leader, who led our evening group and was as important to me as just about anyone during that trying first year, asked some of us to speak. She mentioned that part of the group was breastfeeding support (of course) but another part was the lasting friendships. And she was talking about us. I know I'm super emotional since having my babies, but I was choking up thinking of how lucky I am. That by CHANCE I found out about this group by complaining on Facebook (how often does Facebook venting lead to GOOD???). That I didn't turn around and I went upstairs. That I kept going even when it became another thing to squeeze into my working mom schedule. That they wouldn't let me slip away when things were at their worst. That we made the effort to keep up the friendships even after the nursing was over.
Madison is two and Reagan is growing at lightening speed. I'm getting sappy and nostalgic. But when I think back over the last two years, I realize that I wouldn't have made it to where I am today as a mom without this support. Would my daughter be fine? Sure. Would I be fine? Of course. But would I be the mom I am today without the support of women who were figuring things out alongside me? Would I have managed to nurse for a year, with all the trials? I don't know! All I know is that I'm so thankful for the support they've given me. And today was a great reminder of not taking those things for granted. I will take support wherever I can get it. |
| 162 |
Wed Aug 08 20:28:35 EDT 2012 |
Nima Durso |
I had no family or friends who breastfed, so after i had my first child i felt alone and full of questions. I heard about a local hospital having a support group for breastfeeding moms which was led by More....a certified lactation consultant. This support group at Valley Hospital (NJ) helped me in so many ways. It was wonderful to meet and get support from other moms. The lactation consultant who runs the group meetings (Taryn) is amazing and so supportive. Always felt comfortable asking any questions. This group helped me nurse my first child for 12 months. Now after I had my second, I am returning to the same group for the continued support of such a great consultant and group of moms. I am so grateful to have this support group to not only help with the challenges I faced with breastfeeding, but also made some wonderful frends. The group of moms i met 3 years ago, we still get together regularly. |
| 161 |
Wed Aug 08 20:11:59 EDT 2012 |
Rachel Hatten |
The weekend of our son's birth, the LC was out of town. The nurses offered what help they could; our delivery nurse, after attempting to get him to latch for maybe 20 minutes, gave us a nipple shield to More....use since I had "flat nipples". The next nurse promptly said to stop using that thing but never offered assistance as to how to not use it. Another nurse told me to never let him use me as a pacifier and to make sure he only ate when hungry, and never longer than 15 minutes 'a side.' I'm a reader, and sure enough read about how nipple shields can inhibit supply. Problem was, our little man would not latch without it. The pediatrician who saw us for his 2 day check-up reassured us that his wife used a shield for 4 months, then his son one day decided he was done with it and tore it off! Little does that pediatrician know how much hope that gave me; I spent many a days loathing having this plastic device between me and my baby, and I worried constantly about my milk.
The only woman in my family that has breastfed is my cousin's wife. She reached out to me and said she was always available if I ever needed to chat. Just knowing she was a phone call or message away was reassuring.
I attended a LLL meeting when he was 7 weeks old. It was the same week I was returning back to work. Being in a room full of breastfeeding mothers made me realize that I really wasn't alone! I received some great advice, and I promptly became a member. Knowing that I can call a Leader with questions, and that each month I'll be surrounded by other mothers who are on this same journey gives me a sense of community that I never felt before.
I also spent (okay, spend) many hours online at the LLLI forums, chatting and asking questions with LLL Leaders and other knowledgable mothers on everything from BF and pumping to sleep sharing and baby wearing.
Kellymom.com has also provided a wealth of information that I don't think I would have 'survived' without. She reassured me often that my son really was normal with his hour-long feedings, marathon nursings and odd-colored poops!
In all honesty, my biggest support person is my husband. He sat with me during the marathon feedings, reassured me when I was in tears over using that shield (my son really did decide on his own when he was done with it, at 11 weeks), is supportive of us breastfeeding for at least 2 years, and always helps me stand up to our son's non-BF-educated doctor.
Our son is only 16.5 weeks at this time, a far cry from our goal. But each day we creep closer and closer. To date he has only ever had BM either from my breast or from a bottle (I pump at work).
Support means everything. In a society of artificial teats and artificial milk, where breasts are sexual and not functional, knowing there are other mothers out there that are doing what I'm doing, means everything. |
| 160 |
Wed Aug 08 18:08:33 EDT 2012 |
Anonymous |
The best advice I received was from a lactation consultant during our breastfeeding class. She explained as long as we can make it through the first week of breastfeeding then it will only get easier from More....there. She provided a realistic picture of breastfeeding not the flowery images you usually see. The first week is hard; it involves engorgement, sore, dry, cracked and bleeding nipples. Most breast feeding advocates do not share this information, so during the first week I just kept telling myself as long as I can get through this then we'll be fine. It also helped that I did not have an ounce of formula in the house and I had a list of contacts to call for support. I can see how easy it is to cave if there is formula handy. I did not give myself this opportunity. I told myself if I didn’t nurse my baby then he would starve. The decision to breastfeed came quite easy with this perspective.
I received additional support from my older sister and mother-in-law (both who nursed their babies). They were by my side coaching me and offering me words of encouragement throughout the first week. My husband was also very supportive. He would help me get the baby latched during the middle of the night when I was completely exhausted. He also accepted the fact that my breast served a different purpose; they were providing nourishment for our baby.
Having a supportive working environment was also helpful for when I returned back to work. My employer allowed me to pump while at work as many times a day as needed. I had a private office space and mini-refrigerator. I have continued to be able to pump while at work and my son is now 15 months.
These are just a few of the reasons that have allowed me to successfully nurse my son. |
| 159 |
Wed Aug 08 17:56:23 EDT 2012 |
Courtney LaRosa |
My son was born in 2007 at 41 weeks - a vaginal birth - and he was slightly jaundiced. I checked off day and night nursing on the hospital chart so he would be brought to me every few hours to nurse. I More....knew enough to know nursing around the clock was very important and that introducing formula to his sterile gut would harm what our nursing was trying to accomplish. My son was very sleepy and didn't want to nurse much. What I didn't know was this is completely normal. The nurses wanted to check off that they'd done their job each time they came to collect him, which was that my son was dirtying the right number of diapers and eating a certain length of time at each breast. They told me he was starving and I 'had' to give him formula. They attempted to remove him from the room and give him formula in the nursery. I stopped them and said I give no one authorization to feed him. I would give him the formula. And I secretly needed to see for myself if he'd take it over my breast milk. He took the tiniest amount of formula from a bottle after much fight to wake him to eat it then promptly fell back asleep. He wasn't interested in it. I was relieved. Looking back, I should have insisted on the lactation consultant and tried to pump if there had been a need to give him more than he was naturally taking from the breast. You learn as you go. We went home from the hospital and it took six solid weeks to get breastfeeding down. Sore, bleeding nipples, and many tears from my baby - and me - but we got the hang of it. What saved me was knowing this was how women fed their children before formula (which is a very new product when you think about human existence) and if all those women could do it, I could, too. It was sheer will. I have to say it was nice to have a mother of my own who nursed and was supportive. My husband was supportive but having never been nursed himself, nor seen it in his family, thought formula was just as good. He just wanted me to be happy and he knew I wanted to do this, so he supported me. (He delighted me by learning a lot over time and became one of the biggest advocates of nursing.) Truth be told, neither support person mattered if you're asking if their support made nursing possible. I would have done it no matter what. It was wonderful to have La Leche League as a resource. I called them three times in tears when I had bloody nipples and wondered if it would harm my baby to ingest the blood. I wondered if it was normal that I was in pain. They were reassuring. "Nurse through it and tough it out." Great advice and it did the trick. After checking the latch, at their urging, I found we needed to simply go through it, like a storm. On the other side we emerged and nursing became the easiest thing in the world. It was the quickest, most surefire way to soothe him when he was sick, tired, or had a boo boo. My goal was to nurse him until one year until I realized that was someone else's idea of normal and beneficial. Nursing shaped the way I mothered him. It was a way for him to learn trust in the first year, boundaries in the second, and it formed the unique bond we share. My son self-weaned just shy of four years old. I credit nursing for his kindness, his loving nature, his independent way and his dazzling self confidence. I credit it for his intelligence to a great extent. I feel it protected him and kept him from getting sick. When he was sick, it was such a reassuring thing, to know he got all he needed from nursing alone (antibodies, water, calories, etc) I'm glad that, with a family history of food allergies and asthma, my son didn't develop his nut allergy until he was almost 4 years old, and weathered the reaction amazingly. (Interestingly, he was almost completely weaned when he had his first reaction.) I credit it for protecting him from developing asthma, which would make his food allergy more dangerous. I know my own health has benefited from nursing my son, cutting cancer risks and protecting me from many conditions. My health risks were decreased a great deal because I nursed for a long period of time (there's a correlation). I'm so thankful for the internet because I was able to find a support group locally. It was nice to talk to other nursing mothers and even get together for playdates for the kids with them. When it was going to close I took it over and still run it to this day despite my own son not nursing anymore. It's called Mother's Milk and it's on MeetUp.com
I love that I am able to help mothers and women who will someday be mothers learn more about nursing through this group. I enjoy knowing there is a support network for nursing moms; a place to feel 'normal' because there is so much misinformation out there and so many negative comments that come your way when you nurse beyond a few months (multiple those negative comments if you nurse for years instead of months, the way God intended). Nursing in public is hard due to so many people thinking breasts belong to men, to be seen when we want to sell beer or to make a movie more interesting but never used to nourish and protect a child. The thinking is backward. A support group like the one I belonged to (and now run) does a lot to untangle the myths because new moms have a lot of questions before someone starts in with questioning her choices, and it's hard to know when someone is pushing their opinion vs telling you true facts. I will run this support group as long as possible because I know it made a difference for me, as did speaking with LLL leaders when the going got tough - the difference was that I learned more and could enjoy the experience, and it probably was what led to me nursing as long as I did. Studies show the more educated the woman, the more likely she is to nurse. Studies also show with each child, a mother will nurse longer than the one that came before. Is this to 'keep the baby a baby forever for selfish reasons on the mother's part'? Is it because the mother 'cannot let go'? Nope. It's because the more you know, the better you do. The more confident you feel, the more you can resist misinformation shaping your choices. |
| 158 |
Wed Aug 08 17:16:10 EDT 2012 |
Katherine Hunt |
After returning to work at 6 weeks postpartum my first challenge with breastfeeding began. My mother called me one day a few weeks in to tell me she was running low on expressed Breastmilk. Breastfeeding More....was going great, but the hand pump I was rocking was not cutting it. I had to make the choice to buy a little formula to have on hand just in case she ever did run out. She did, and for the next month I'd say my little one got about a bottle or two of artificial milk two days a week. I called my WIC office and the support person there for breastfeeding mothers really helped boost my confidence. She gave me the tools and knowledge to get past this hiccup. I never gave up, because every oz counted, I pumped religiously everyday at work and nursed exclusively at night. Formula didn't have to be the end, and she helped me realize that with my feelings and my actions. I am still nursing my now 20 mos old toddler. Imparting knowledge is imparting power. |
| 157 |
Wed Aug 08 16:57:37 EDT 2012 |
suzanne marinello |
When I got pregnant, as an older mother at 34, I had the privilege of watching so many women, including family, friends and co-workers have children before me. I knew I would have to be a working mom. More....And I knew better than to make any strict plans, because pregnancy, your body, and babies do whatever they want, regardless of how you plan them. I knew I would need to be flexible. I knew I would try to breast feed but had watched women both succeed and fail at their own attempts so was unclear as to how my story would turn out. Being in the pharmaceutical industry, I was Ok with formula too.
My sister-in-law, gave me a book on breast feeding as soon as she found out it was a desire of mine. She was the one that explained to me that it wasn’t the “natural or simple and mindless” process you thought it should be, i.e. Baby + Boob = GO and that all babies and mom’s had to learn how to do it, and that it took some work in order to make it work. I was intrigued by what she and the book said, about passing immunity, and reasons I had never heard of or thought of before now.
I started nesting early. Perhaps my body knew we would not make it the full 9 months. I bought diapers, clothes, lotions, potions and everything I could store…including formula…just in case... I was standing online when I started to read the carton which clearly said “Breast is Best”…and being in the industry I knew what that meant. That the FDA had data that showed breast feeding was indeed better than formula, so much so that the formula companies were being MADE to put this information on their own products. But I am in the industry. I know the reasons behind the “breast is best” tag lines but what about all the other non-pharm moms out there? I knew then that breast feeding was going to be more than something I just tried. I was determined to make it work!
Two months before my delivery date my body started to shut down from sever pre-eclampsia and my sweet strong baby by was pulled from his warm comfy nest way too soon. He was only 4 pounds and 4 ounces. My body had failed him, failed to keep him safe, failed to allow him to grow to term, I was only a mother for a few moments and I had already FAILED.
It was hours after I had delivered, all my family had gone home and I was by myself. I remembered what I read in the book my sister-in-law gave me…”Put baby to breast or pump as soon after birth as you can.” Well, he had no fat pads, no suck-swallow-breath reflex and was on a CPAP and oxygen. I wasn’t even allowed to see him for 48 hours because of the medications I was on. I felt so helpless but I called the nurse and demanded that she get me a breast pump. Looking back I am very disheartened that no one bothered to ask or remind me that I should be pumping so that my milk would come in. Thank goodness for that book! Thank goodness for my sister-in-law!
My nurse helped save my breast feeding experience. At 3am she brought in a pump and walked me through what I needed to do, how often and for how long. She was the one to tell me not to be too upset if nothing came out. It was just to get my milk to come in. Both she and I were surprised to see that I was able to pump an OUNCE from each breast! She told me I was her SUPERSTAR because no mom she ever saw was able to get as much as I was able to get on their first try. I immediately went from a failure, to a huge success. The hospital was so happy to see that I was pumping for my preemie and froze my colostrum until he was able to handle food. He spent 40 days in the NICU and the only thing that saved me, saved my sanity, was the one thing I COULD do for him; pump.
A few weeks in I got a mastitis and since most of the women I knew breast fed I had to turn to the internet to get information on how to relieve a mastitis with a pump. There really is very little information out there on pumping so I turned to a talk board/support group of women who breast fed and pumped who supported me, answered all my questions, and eventually I was able to return the favour to other new moms who had to pump. My son never learned to breast feed but I am an expert pumper which is rare. My son was on breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months. 9 months later I am still pumping for my preemie who made the normal charts at 3 months, never spits up or has reflux due to his breast milk. Yes 9 months later I am still pumping because it is what I believe is best. I would have never made it this far without so many other women from so many places, and for that, I am so grateful and thankful. |
| 156 |
Wed Aug 08 16:02:38 EDT 2012 |
Anonymous |
I had a really hard time nursing with my 1st son after my c-section since my son & I had an infection that we passed back & forth. The ladies @ LLL helped me to understand the importance of breast milk More....& support me through 18 months of pumping. My second son & I were able to successful nurse going on two yrs now because of all we have learned. They make you stronger! |
| 155 |
Wed Aug 08 15:51:48 EDT 2012 |
Merian de la Gardelle |
As soon as I knew I would be having a baby, I knew I would breastfeed. During my pregnancy, I talked with my family about my goals to make sure that everyone knew the best way to support me.
When More....my son was born, I had a series of complications starting immediately following my c-section. I was very weak and required a blood transfusion. At one point, my sister actually held my breast in one hand and my son in the other because I was too weak and frustrated to do it alone.
Once I got home, I became frustrated and emotional because my son would not latch on one side. I was already ready to throw in the towel. I scheduled a visit with my local WIC peer counselor who showed my son how to latch. During that visit, she also gave me the tools I needed to work through future bumps in the road such as this. She followed up with me many times in the weeks following our initial visit.
Less than a month after my son was born, they discovered three abscesses in my abdomen that required surgical attention. While in the hospital, they discovered MRSA in my wounds. I was devastated. The surgeons and anesthesiologists all had me convinced that I had to pump and dump while I was in the hospital following surgery. One of the hospital lactation consultants came running in, out of breath, with printed resources showing that I did not need to dump my milk and could still nurse. Armed with this information, I started pumping and the nurses found a place in the freezer for my milk since I could not have my son with me in the hospital.
My son is now 10 months old and we have a new set of challenges daily but because of the support I received in that first month, I am able to handle these obstacles with more grace. I still follow up with my WIC peer counselor and my family is more supportive than ever. I have also found a tremendous amount of support on social networking support groups. |
| 154 |
Wed Aug 08 15:50:39 EDT 2012 |
Clarissa Viening-Butler |
My mother was an avid breast-feeder, and it always seemed, to me, the natural choice for myself and my babies. My friends, my husband, our pediatrician, and the leaders of my local breastfeeding support More....group all supported, encouraged, and advised me throughout the eight solid years and three babies my nursing experience would eventually span, and I couldn't have done it without them all. Through anxieties and questions, my group support leaders were loving and positive, and through long nights of colic and the adjustment of sleep cycles, my husband never questioned whether or not we were doing to right thing in choosing to nurse. My friends nursed in public, with me, shared nursing resources, and recommended books. I'm so grateful for the help and love that I have been surrounded by, in the time I've nursed. |
| 153 |
Wed Aug 08 15:39:45 EDT 2012 |
Megan garrison |
My story began January 8th 2008 with a BFP (big fat positive) on the pregnancy test I bought the week before. I was 18 and terrified. I had undying support from my boyfriend (now husband) More....and our families. When I went to apply for WIC my health dept. did not have Breastfeeding Peer Counselors but they did have a Childrens 1st program. It is a program that helps mothers on WIC prepare for their first child, nurses visit every 2 weeks from pregnancy until the child is 2. When I met my C1 nurse I was surprised at how easy is was to talk to her, every week she came I learned something new and preparing myself became easier. My husband at the time was already a father to my two step daughters so he had a little experience, but I had never held a baby before! Soon the time came close for us to go in, I was being induced. My C1 nurse had covered everything and I mean EVERYTHING, including breastfeeding. I had not put much thought into breastfeeding other than I knew I wanted to do it and I would. But when I saw those two big blue eyes for the first time I knew I would do anything and everything for her, including sacrificing every night of sleep, caffiene drink, and hour of my day just to make sure my princess was taken care of. I had no idea how much help every sheet of paper my C1 nurse had brought me would play a part in every day life. I suffered through engorgement, mastitus and refused to get a my wisdom teeth pulled knowing that she refused a bottle. I breastfeed my little girl until she was 2 and I was pregnant with my second. My C1 then contributed to my life in another huge way, she introduced me to the Breastfeeding peer counselor program. She believed in me enough and encouraged me to send in my resume for the position. I became a peer counselor shortly after. I worked in the same Health Dept as my C1 nurse, I got to encourage clients to be apart of the C1 Program while helping mothers myself with breastfeeding issues. I LOVED my job as a counselor, I contacted mothers during their pregnancy and until their children turned 1. I had an amazing group of co-workers also, who helped me when I was having breastfeeding issues with my second child. Having support during this short amount of time in life is crucial. My C1 nurse encourage me and helped set worries aside at every visit. I will never be able to thank her enough, she has sparked an interest I never knew I had. I am now in school pursuing my career as an RN, I then plan on becoming a certified LC. Just to let you know I have breastfed my daughter for two years, my oldest son for six months (due to our littlest surprise my supply diminished during pregnancy) and our youngest going 13 weeks today. Everyday breastfeeding plays a huge part in my life and without the support and encouragement of my wonderful C1 nurse Im afraid to think what would have happened when I came about the mastitus problem the first week with my oldest. Thank you, you are a wonderful nurse and a greater friend!!!!! |
| 152 |
Wed Aug 08 15:39:07 EDT 2012 |
Della Trent |
I always knew I would be a breastfeeding mama. I worked several years at a local preschool where most of the children were breastfed and was a breastfed baby myself. All my life, I was surrounded by breastfeeding More....mamas and I never doubted that would be my path when the pregnancy test came up positive.My husband, family, friends, doctor and doula were all tremendously supportive or breastfeeding. I was very confident that feeding my child would come easily and naturally to me. I had a natural birth in a hospital and my healthy baby girl latched on right away. I was so relieved and happy and maybe even a little smug. 2 weeks later, my milk had come in with such a vengeance that my chest ached all the time. I had nipples so sore, I cried every time she latched on. My daughter sputtered and reeled at my letdown, cried and spit up all the time and sometimes refused to nurse. I never imagined these problems could happen to me or even knew they happened. That's when I went to my first La Leche League meeting. Everything about La Leche League was like coming home to me. It was there I was told that I probably have "oversupply". I received practical advice and genuine sympathy from all the women. Over the next few months, I continued to battle various issues. My daughter refused to nurse at one point, she rarely slept, I had mastitis twice and my letdown continued to scare her. At about 7 months postpartum, my supply finally started matching up to her needs and we had settled on a suitable nighttime routime. La Leche League helped me through all of this. 10 1/2 months later, I have never missed a meeting and my breastfeeding relationship with my daughter continues to thrive. I am so glad I persevered through the problems. I feel very passionately that all women deserve the support I was so lucky to have. |
| 151 |
Wed Aug 08 15:20:23 EDT 2012 |
Lani Siciliano |
I had always planned to breastfeed since my mother had. I planned to nurse for a year since that was the current recommendation. My mother gave me her copy of La Leche League's "Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" More....even. My husband and I attended a Breastfeeding class for expectant couples at the hospital where we planned to deliver our baby. The class and lactation consultant were excellent. At the end of the class we also received a newsletter for the local La Leche League support group for nursing mothers. That group was my lifeline in the beginning. Here I learned, shared, made friends I still have 14 years later. These women mentored me as a mother and I eventually became a Leader to help mentor others. Breastfeeding is an art, not just a science, and it should be passed down woman to woman. LLL helps to do just that. I am proud to say I not only met my goal of nursing for one year, but I nursed exclusively for 6 months as well, and continued nursing far beyond babyhood. I now have six children and have nursed them all for at least 6 months exclusively, continuing well beyond their third birthdays. I have nursed through five pregnancies and tandem and triandem nursed siblings. I have been nursing for 13 and a half years straight! My children are healthy and happy. I am healthy and happy. I would never have been able to meet and exceed my goals without the support of other nursing women. |
| 150 |
Wed Aug 08 14:56:04 EDT 2012 |
Megan Swiertz |
Before I got pregnant and especially before I delivered my son, I had everything all planned out. I had it all figured out on how I was going to handle motherhood. One of the aspects that I had all planned More....out was my desire to breastfeed, so before George was born, I was bound and determined to be a breastfeeding mother. It was one of those "too important to fail" issues. I expected some difficulty as I’d been told that it takes some learning and practice, but I never expected it to be as difficult as it was.
I’d taken the breastfeeding class and the instructor said how important it was to breastfeed as soon after delivery as possible. While in the last stages of an already complicated and difficult labor/delivery, my blood pressure began to plummet and I was having trouble staying conscious to push. Once my son, George, was born (which I sadly don’t remember), I was in and out of consciousness while my doctor tried to stem the post-partum hemorrhaging. Before delivering my nurse asked me what sort of intentions I had for breastfeeding and I said how important it was for me to breastfeed and that I nurse immediately after delivery. After some time, the doctors had stabilized me but I was too weak to open my eyes, let alone nurse him. The nurse asked me if I wanted to try and I replied that I simply did not have the strength and after listening to George cry for who knows how long, I gave her permission to give him a bottle. He was desperately hungry, he needed to eat and I couldn’t do it.
George was taken to the nursery for evaluation and a few hours later, he was brought back to my room where we began trying to nurse. I expected there to be some discomfort and fumbling while I learned and he learned how to get this to work. I got a little bruised and bloodied but I must have been doing something right since George left the hospital the next day at a higher weight than his birth weight (by 5 ounces!). I felt confident that I had a handle on things and things would get easier at home.
A day or two after coming home, I started experiencing a lot of pain while nursing. I wasn’t sure if I was latching right and couldn’t really tell if I was doing anything right. Soon after, I started noticing more bruising and blistering and a lot of pain. After a lot of pain for about a week, I ended up making an outpatient appointment with the lactation department at the hospital.
At the consultation, the consultant determined that while I had a great supply and he was properly latching, he had a problem clicking his tongue, which was likely the cause of my breakdown and pain. She advised us to meet with a speech pathologist to see if she could further diagnose and correct the issue. The LC also gave me instructions on how to pump, and gave me other information to hopefully get me back on track and allow me to recover.
Shortly after the consultation, I developed severe plugged ducts on both sides, which then developed into mastitis. I remember sitting at my in-laws house in excruciating pain with a bag of frozen peas on one side, and a bag of frozen corn on the other side, trying to break up the plugged ducts. Both of those issues lasted a few days. Also around this time, due to the severe breakdown in my nipples, I also developed a burning sensation in my chest, although at the time I didn’t realize what it meant and because of all the other issues I was battling at the time, it took a back burner. George was about two to three weeks old at this time.
While waiting the two weeks for the pathologist appointment, I decided it was best to just pump and give George bottles because of the pain nursing brought. George was about a month old when we eventually met with the speech pathologist who was completely useless. She instructed me to nurse him upright, while holding his chin firmly and all other sorts of very unrealistic stuff. It completely went against the close, loving experience nursing was. George hated it and so did I . My nipples were still in a very raw state and were simply not healing. A lactation consultant thankfully came up to this meeting and informed me the reason that I wasn’t healing was because I had what she felt was a terrible case of thrush. She advised me to make an appointment with my OB right away to get it treated. If she hadn't come to the appointment, I'm not exactly sure how long I would have suffered without treatment with thrush. It was such a blessing to have her there and spot a problem that I didn't see and give me the right advice. She also was a support for me while I struggled with feelings of failure, even telling me that I needed to relax and take a break otherwise she was worried about my mental state to care for my son. Having an LC tell me that it was okay to give him a bottle made me feel like I was still doing the right thing.
I went to my OB who gave me a prescription for the yeast infection which for the last month had made me feel like someone was pouring acid or boiling water on my chest. She said by my post-partum checkup the next week, I should be back to normal. Turns out, I wouldn’t. She ended up giving me three rounds of Diflucan that all lasted about 10 days and none of the rounds of treatment took care of it. Even though George never got it, my husband steve did due to his toothbrush touching mine. Thankfully, diflucan cleared the infection he developed in his mouth. I would ultimately have thrush on and off, but mostly on for about 5 months.
All this time, I was exclusively pumping and giving George bottles. I figured if I couldn’t nurse him directly, the next best thing was to still at least provide him breastmilk. I started going to a mother-baby playgroup run by the hospital and hosted by a lactation consultant when George was about 8 weeks old. I saw moms who happily and easily nursed their babies around me and I couldn’t help but feel incredibly jealous, and inadequate to their abilities, or their babies’ abilities to nurse. I had gotten rather comfortable again in regards to the pain from nipple breakdown and thrush, so I was willing to give nursing another shot. After one group gathering, I’d asked the LC if she would be willing to assist me in getting George to latch. I simply was still not ready to entirely give up yet. She was happy to help me and while the latch was painful, it wasn’t as excruciating as it had been so I was hopeful that it would work out finally. I ended up the next day, bleeding and in considerable pain again and I developed a raging reoccurrence of thrush. I swore I’d never let him nurse again and at that point I’d become used to pumping, so I figured I was no worse off and he was still getting breastmilk in the end.
Fast forward to when George was about 5 months old. I went again to playgroup and still struggled with not being able to nurse. I always struggled answering the question of whether or not I was breastfeeding...was I or wasn't I? I mean I wasn't "breast" feeding but giving him at least breastmilk that was still important to me. I still felt like a failure, even though the issue wasn't me just not wanting to or giving up, but more a physical issue with his tongue not working in the way it should.
After coming home a few days later, for some reason, I decided to try latching him again. To my complete and total surprise, he did it and did it well. About this time, my pump started to really bother me for some reason. I developed serious blisters from the pump phalanges and they would pop in the shower, which was about as painful as it sounds. I was in no more pain or discomfort during this first nursing session that I was pumping. I couldn’t believe it. I kept nursing him and before I knew it, we were nursing successfully, efficiently and happily. Soon after getting him to latch, my blisters went away and so did the pain, for really the first time in almost 6 months. After all the struggle and pain, the appointments and disappointment, it could really be that easy.
I know between my sheer determination to success and unwillingness to give up, and the tremendous support from several different lactation consultants, I was able to achieve my goal. I still see my lactation consultant on a regular basis and she has continued to be a tremendous support for me even after my son has weaned |
| 149 |
Wed Aug 08 14:52:11 EDT 2012 |
Melody Coco |
This is our story and is in no way meant to lay judgement on anyone else's choices. I feel that as long as an individual has made informed decisions and implements them with love, then they are doing what More....they feel is best for their family. This is the one that I have made and although it's nothing for the history books, it is something I'm proud of.
When I was pregnant with my daughter I knew that I wanted to breastfeed. It's not hard to find evidence that proves the many benefits. I read everything I could get my hands on and I felt that it was the right thing for me. That being said I am not immune to the western worlds view of breastfeeding, which I believe a direct quote from many is "Ew". So my goal was 6 months...because that was the MINIMUM recommendation by most of the health organizations....Fast forward over a year later and I can't help but laugh at some of the goals that I had. All the "I will never...'s", "my baby won't...'s" and the "I'll just have to...'s". I learned very quickly that life with a baby is NOTHING like what I thought it would be..... But it's better
Being a first time mom I had heard so many horror stories of everything from babies refusing to breastfeed, moms not producing, to it hurting so bad that the mom couldn't bear it. So when she latched and I nursed her for the first time it was like the weight of the world had just melted off of my shoulders. It waaas a little uncomfortable in the beginning... I think I compared it to something like "setting my nipples on fire". But my wonderful mother was there to cheer me on and after about a week and a half the discomfort was gone and I was becoming an old pro.
A lot happened in the first 4 months of her little life but one huge event was that she developed colic and it forced me to read even more into breastfeeding and this is when my thoughts began to change. I won't bore you with the facts that were brought to my attention, just know that I was blown away. Because of what I was learning and by really meditating on my instincts, I realized that giving her the minimum just wasn't good enough, when I felt like she so deserved the maximum. I also started realizing a common pattern in today's western world of having children... Wish all our hearts we can get pregnant, get pregnant and hate being pregnant, birth them as soon as possible, wean them as soon as possible, put them in some form of child care as soon as possible, send them off to school as soon as possible for as long as possible, grow them up as soon as possible and then wonder why our family's are all so disconnected and dysfunctional... I couldn't let this happen to her or my family. Yet, I was beginning to feel very alone so I sought out a group of moms that are a breastfeeding support group. Finding these like minded mommas made a world of a difference to me. When I made the decision to not wean my daughter according to the calendar, but rather to her cues and my instincts, it was so much easier with their support.
When people find out that I'm "still" breastfeeding at 14 months, some look at me like they feel sorry for me... Well, I don't feel sorry for me, I really enjoy our moments spent nursing. My favorite thing to say to people when they ask THE question... "So when are you going to wean her?" I say "I won't send her off to Harvard still breastfeeding". My daughter is the most important thing in my life and I want her to know that, and always feel loved and respected. She's not an inconvenience, so why should I force her to do something she's not ready for physically, or emotionally? So that I can leave her more often? Nah... Her infant years are the shortest years of her life and I am going to savor every minute. The decision that I have made for our family isn't easy because it's not widely understood, but being a christian has taught me that the right path isn't always the easiest path. Also, I know how people look at moms who breastfeed toddlers and I am not trying to offend anyone or make a statement. I am just trying to do what I feel like is the best thing for my family.
.....And make it to the cover of Time Magazine, of course. :) |
