| Number |
Date |
Name |
Please type or paste in your ... |
| 26 |
Thu May 19 22:36:50 EDT 2011 |
Jessie Roberts |
My midwife did so much to help me and my daughter learn to successfully breastfeed. She and I had conversations about preparing to breastfeed even while I was pregnant, and when my daughter was born she More....was there to help us get our first good latch. She has been a constant wellspring of support, encouragement, and information that I couldn't have done without. Even at 6 weeks, when I had some insecurities about nursing in public that I felt would hinder my long-term breastfeeding success, I felt comfortable talking to her and knew I would not be judged. |
| 25 |
Thu May 19 06:05:57 EDT 2011 |
Summer Lamb |
At 8 months old my exclusively breastfed son started what I thought was a nursing strike. We had a rough week that included a number of potential strike triggers. I contact our local Lactation Consultant. More....She offered advice. He still refused. At a well baby visit with our Family Practice doctor I asked about her breastfeeding knowledge. She said her knowledge was minimal, so she brought in one of the RNs. Nurse P was phenomenal. She offered additional suggestions. She called me regularly to check on our progress. She made herself available during non business hours and even donated some of her own milk when my supply plummeted! 4 months later my son is still not nursing and she is still checking on our progress. I am touched beyond words by her heartfelt empathy and true personal concern for our success. I believe in my heart I wouldn’t have made it through these last 4 months without her support. Thank you, Nurse P! My family is eternally grateful for your love and support. |
| 24 |
Wed May 18 23:17:00 EDT 2011 |
Kristen Peele |
My chiropractic physician has been very supportive of breastfeeding, both for me and also for my baby. She understands how breastfeeding affects the mother's body so she is able to provide better care More....for me by letting me know what is normal for the postpartum body, reminding me to maintain good positioning during feeding, giving me stretches to help stretch my chest and upper back, and by discussing nutritional issues that affect both me and the baby. The really critical support has been for my son, though. My chiropractor noticed that my baby's head was not turning to the left very well and started talking to me about our breastfeeding positions and the quality of his feedings. In fact, I had noticed that he didn't like to feed as well on my left side (when he needed to turn his head to the left) and other people commented on how he was a "noisy" eater because of his gulping. He was also having problems with reflux and would pull away from eating sometimes. Through our chirporactor's care my newborn was able to regain proper movement in his neck which made it easier for him to eat well, eliminated his gulping and noisy eating, and greatly helped his relux. Care from our chirpractor made breastfeeding a better experience and helped me be a more confident mother! |
| 23 |
Wed May 18 11:54:55 EDT 2011 |
Anonymous |
My nurse team supported my breastfeeding journey by making sure my desire for immediate skin to skin and breastfeeding as my son desired was honored. When my son forgot that eating and breathing require More....some coordination and took a trip to observation in NICU, the staff didn't demand that he be fed a bottle, instead just asked that I try at least every 3 hours (I was exhausted from lack of sleep) which I was very happy to do. He fed fine and returned to my room quickly and skipped the possible confusion a bottle may have brought. |
| 22 |
Wed May 18 11:49:24 EDT 2011 |
Lorelei Sandoval |
My midwife gently supported and encouraged my breastfeedin journey from my very first physical when she commented that I had great breastfeeding breasts. Throughout my pregnancy she taught me about nutrition, More....how my breasts were changing, what would happen in the first few days and about various positions I might be able to use. She is my #1 cheerleader! |
| 21 |
Wed May 18 02:31:28 EDT 2011 |
Anna O'Malley |
My daughter Lila was born in a beautiful home birth, followed immediately by a need for a higher level of medical care when Lila's Apgar remained 6 and I developed a massive hematoma from a transected More....artery. We ended up in the hospital: me at Marin General for an emergent embolization and transfusion, and Lila at UCSF for a mysterious pneumonia. I was devastated at the thought that our precious bonding and establishment of nursing was so profoundly disrupted. However, I had wonderful support by nurses at Marin General in pumping diligently and sending colostrum to her. When we were reunited 2 days later, I was informed that the medical team had been planning to start TPN that afternoon, so I had arrived in the nick of time. Blessedly, my milk supply was in, Lila had a great latch and we picked up right where we left off. Mama and baby are happy and healthy. |
| 20 |
Tue May 17 21:53:58 EDT 2011 |
Anonymous |
While I was in recovery from an emergency cesarean birth, my midwife asked me if I wanted her to bring my baby to me to initiate breastfeeding. I was exhausted and not very clear in my head and it was More....hard for me to even hold my son. My midwife sat at the side of my bed and used her hands to get my son latched on right and then held him up next to me so that he could nurse even though I could not hold him myself. She knew that I was very committed to breastfeeding and that my birthing had not gone according to plan, but she made breastfeeding possible for me by this significant and personal effort. My son and I went on to have a beautiful breastfeeding relationship and I know it would have either been more challenging or not possible without the significant efforts of my midwife. |
| 19 |
Tue May 17 20:56:53 EDT 2011 |
Debby Popkin |
I am a midwife and planned to have my first child born at home. Although we ended up in the hospital for the birth, I was fortunate to enjoy the care of three skilled and generous midwives throughout More....the experience. My son nursed beautifully the first day - but not on the second. By the third day, I was starting to become engorged and my baby was still struggling at the breast. One of my midwives and a midwife friend came to my house to help us. I was so exhausted from the long labor and many hours up at night that I could barely participate in everyone's efforts to get my baby latched on. One midwife was holding the baby's head and the other was holding my breast, as I began to nod off in the rocking chair! Their commitment to our nursing success made all the difference. |
| 18 |
Tue May 17 18:27:57 EDT 2011 |
Amy Horan |
When my second child was born, I chose to give birth in my home with a midwife group. Both my delivering midwife and the birth assistant they required took the time to return to my home after my daughter's More....birth and make sure she and I were developing and healing healthily. They each observed me nursing my daughter and offered tips and advice to make sure our nursing relationship was as beneficial as it could be. I was very grateful to have the advice of these knowledgeable women at this important time. |
| 17 |
Tue May 17 14:11:47 EDT 2011 |
Jeanette Albright |
My OB, Dr. Laura Katz was informative during my pregnancies with handouts on the benefits to breastfeeding as well as education material on the topic. She was great after my first one arrived regarding More....nipple cream ~ she told me to make a nipple sundae, like drizzling caramel all over ice cream and don't be stingy! It was advice my husband and I will always remember and we share it often with other new to breastfeeding moms! |
| 16 |
Tue May 17 13:58:00 EDT 2011 |
Jennifer Gerard |
As a Lactation Consultant and new mom, I wanted a Pediatrician that would support my decision to breastfeed 100%. When I learned that my top Pediatrician candidate was specifically interested in the support More....and promotion of breastfeeding, I knew she was the right choice for us! I have been impressed with her level of (correct) breastfeeding knowledge in this era of formula marketing and influence, especially in physician offices. At every visit she talks to my daughter about how healthy she is because she’s breastfed and is always supportive of my exclusive breastfeeding, on demand, without restrictions. She points out her healthy rolls and says “she is the picture of health”. She has even commented on my “super milk” and tells me to “keep up the good work”. Every mom deserves this much support from her health care provider! Our community is blessed to have her and I know her other breastfeeding patients get top-notch support and encouragement! |
| 15 |
Tue May 17 13:21:59 EDT 2011 |
Katy Rank Lev |
Our pediatrician is a wonderful advocate for breastfeeding. He uses the growth chart designed for breast-fed babies, and so was not alarmed when my son didn't pork up right away. He encourages me to nurse More....while my son receives vaccinations, to comfort my son during that process. He also reassures me that even when my son is sick, he's getting all the nutrients he needs from my milk and that I am helping him to recover and stay healthy. His spouse is a La Leche League leader, so that helps enormously as well. |
| 14 |
Mon May 16 21:53:10 EDT 2011 |
Jennifer Antonik |
Our kids see the pediatrician I saw when growing up, and she just loves them! She could eat them up every time they walk into the office. She's an old school type doctor who still believes in nursing as More....the best thing for the children. Everytime we arrived for an appointment, the first thing out of her mouth was: "Still breastfeeding?" Everytime I'd say "Yes," She seemed to get so excited that the kids were nursing and always exclaimed how good it was for them. This always made me feel so good! |
| 13 |
Mon May 16 14:47:39 EDT 2011 |
Tina Lavy |
My Breastfeeding Story
Tina Lavy, MS, IBCLC, Yuba County WIC (1995-2000), Sutter County WIC (2000-2011)
I have worked for the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program for More....many years. Quite some time ago, a young mom walked into our WIC office. The mother asked if she might be eligible for services at WIC. She found out she was and enrolled onto the program. She had a 2 year old little boy and was pregnant with her second baby. Both she and her husband lived on a farm in central California where he was a ranch foreman. She was attending school and helping part-time at a local day care. They had a baby girl in December 1990. This mom continued going to her WIC appointments with her two young children, attend WIC classes, go to college and work part-time.
That young mother is me. Can you believe that little boy is now 23 years old and just graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant from the Air Force Academy? And the little girl is now a sophomore at UCSC majoring in Psychology?
My story began nearly 20 years ago – when I first walked into the Sutter County WIC office, the mother of a little boy and pregnant with my second baby. We were not poor, but farm wages didn’t really pay that much – and we had no health insurance. WIC was there for me when we needed it most. I was also taking classes to obtain a BS degree in – of all things – nutrition, after deciding nursing was really not what I wanted to do for a career.
I went to my WIC appointments and sat in the classes. The staff I met during my appointments back then made an impression on me I will never forget: the breastfeeding support I received at WIC from the staff and ONLY Lactation Consultant in the entire county (LC's were nearly non-existent back in the 1980's). The lactation consultant at our WIC office started to work for the program when WIC was in its infancy. She was a breastfeeding mother herself. These women were wonderful role models who embraced the WIC program in its early years AND who not only supported me in breastfeeding my new baby, but were influential in sparking an interest in becoming a lactation consultant myself 20 years later. In 1995, I went to work for WIC as a nutritionist and breastfeeding specialist. In 2005, after months of classes, was able to sit with the first ever group of funded "WIC Lactation Consultants" in the state of California and pass the Lactation Consultant exam. Still working in WIC 20 years later, I can give back to a program which supported me in breastfeeding my little girl. Over the years, I have seen thousands of WIC breastfeeding moms and can proudly say "I was one of them" - as are my children: two of over several million WIC breastfed babies who benefited from the early Lactation Consultants that worked for WIC. Now, I am the only IBCLC in our county.
A long time ago, mom stopped me in the mall - she recognized me from WIC- saying: “I remember when you helped me breastfeed my first baby.” I asked “So how old is your child now?”; “10 years old” was her response, and realizing, my goodness had I worked in WIC that long? Nearly 20 years later, I am still here at WIC – and still share the photos that sit on my desk of my two children. That little 2 year old will be married in June, and the curly haired daughter is away at college. I always tell them – “you are so smart – must have been all that breastmilk you got!” |
| 12 |
Mon May 16 14:24:31 EDT 2011 |
Melissa Bodzioch |
I had many issues breastfeeding with my son 16 years ago, so this last pregnancy I knew I wanted things to go differently. I started attending LLL meetings during my pregnancy at the advice from my midwife, More....was given books & some education during my natural birth classes, and did some talking with my mother now an LC and other mama's. Once my daughter was born I was in a whole new world. There is no way to educate yourself on every issue that can come up until they do come up. I had my midwife helping me right after my home birth delivery. Then my mom was there through the day/night and my placenta encapusulist was in the house and came to help me as well. The next day the nurse came to check on me helped me again, my mom was there as well and it was decided that my daughter had a short tongue and needed it clipped ASAP. An appointment was made for early the next morning and it was there that the peditrician clipped her tongue then immediately brought her to my breast and helped me latch her correctly. It really takes a team to get going I learned.. in fact, I now wonder how ladies only get help at the hospital and then leave with no help at home! It amazes me when those women are successful! If breastfeeding was more mainstream there wouldn't be as many breastfeeding issues and myths as there are in the US right now. |
| 11 |
Mon May 16 14:23:33 EDT 2011 |
Melissa Bodzioch |
I had many issues breastfeeding with my son 16 years ago, so this last pregnancy I knew I wanted things to go differently. I started attending LLL meetings during my pregnancy at the advice from my midwife, More....was given books & some education during my natural birth classes, and did some talking with my mother now an LC and other mama's. Once my daughter was born I was in a whole new world. There is no way to educate yourself on every issue that can come up until they do come up. I had my midwife helping me right after my home birth delivery. Then my mom was there through the day/night and my placenta encapusulist was in the house and came to help me as well. The next day the nurse came to check on me helped me again, my mom was there as well and it was decided that my daughter had a short tongue and needed it clipped ASAP. An appointment was made for early the next morning and it was there that the peditrician clipped her tongue then immediately brought her to my breast and helped me latch her correctly. It really takes a team to get going I learned.. in fact, I now wonder how ladies only get help at the hospital and then leave with no help at home! It amazes me when those women are successful! If breastfeeding was more mainstream there wouldn't be as many breastfeeding issues and myths as there are in the US right now. |
| 10 |
Mon May 16 13:56:54 EDT 2011 |
Melissa Cline |
My midwife talked about my plans for breastfeeding in many of our hour-long prenatal visits. When she attended my baby's birth (at home), she helped me put him to breast as soon as possible (he More....required a bit of resuscitation). She helped me to nurse him as long as I wanted before doing the stitches I needed. She visited me several times in the first two weeks postpartum to check us both and see if we needed any help with breastfeeding. When I started getting mastitis, she suggested home remedies and also facilitated me getting a prescription for antibiotics from her consulting OB. Even now, 18 months later, she always compliments me on continuing to nurse. It is so good to have her on my side when my pediatrician is telling me I have to wean at 9 months or else baby will be nursing when he's 5, etc etc. |
| 9 |
Sun May 15 20:47:46 EDT 2011 |
Brittany Cooper |
After I became pregnant, it didn't occur to me not to breastfeed. I hadn't read too much about pregnancy and babies early on but I was aware that it was the healthiest option for my baby... plus I am More....super cheap and couldn't imagine spending $$ on formula when it's not nearly as good as what I can provide myself. So I was somewhat amused when my ob/gyn and the nurses in his office were all so excited and encouraging when I told them (following their questions) that I would be breastfeeding. I imagine that they do a great service to women who aren't sure about breastfeeding by offering lots of encouragement and information for them to try it. I'm grateful that I haven't had any trouble breastfeeding so far (my son was born in December) and I hope I can help in any small way as a steward of breastfeeding. I know it's not the most exciting story out there but I sincerely hope for women to get the same great support from their doctors that I was lucky enough to have. |
| 8 |
Sun May 15 16:29:04 EDT 2011 |
Alyssa Colton |
While nearly everyone around me supported breastfeeding, having a doula who came to my home postpartum and helped me with latching on and other advice was absolutely crucial to my success. She gave me More....options for positions and talked to me about what to do when baby fell asleep while nursing (try to keep her awake long enough to get a full meal!). I also knew that if I had any more serious issues, she would have helped me in any way she could. It was so important to have in-home care after my baby's birth in this way in order to ensure a successful start to breastfeeding. |
| 7 |
Sun May 15 11:50:59 EDT 2011 |
Khera Houston |
Thanks to my diligent and amazing public health nurse educating me and supporting me I have nursed both my children. Having such great support helps to motivate me and knowing I have someone I can call More....for any questions or concerns is key! Our public health nurse has become a surrograndma to our kids and is in integral part of our family! |
| 6 |
Sat May 14 23:37:02 EDT 2011 |
Karen Latham |
I arrived in Miami 2 weeks before giving birth to my first child. Since I lived and worked in West Africa, I made arrangements with a wonderful Maternity Center beforehand. The amazing team of midwives More....not only supported me throughout my 3 days of labor (and wow, did they teach me so many things!) but also through a very difficult latching on/engorgement/mastitis period. Since I was going back to West Africa, where I work in maternal-child health, I was determined to practice what I preached. 24 hours of engorgement, pain, and wailing from my little girl had me in tears and made me realize how hollow the "exclusive 6 month breastfeeding" message was without the actual information and support on how to do it! Despite my degrees, my research, and my beliefs, I was so tempted to give up with every tear shed (by baby and me!) The midwives alternated massaging my breasts, helping my daughter latch, and giving me hugs. That support, along with cabbage and triple nipple cream, got me through!! Two and half years later, I am still breastfeeding despite the challenges (not sure what is worse nipple blisters or trying to pump while on the run?!?) and humbly share my experience with women that I meet. |
| 5 |
Sat May 14 21:45:33 EDT 2011 |
Elena Taylor |
I had heard stories of local pediatricians who did not approve of mothers who breastfeed past one year. I had started off breastfeeding with the intention of continuing only for three months, and then More....only for six months, and then was already to almost two years old.
My daughter was never sick and was developing beautifully! I loved seeing her develop and knowing that I was providing her with more than just nutrition, but a wonderfully strong bonding and healthy attachment.
I did not want to be told to stop what I knew to be a good thing. The breastfeeding organization in town was able to provide me with the name of a doctor that was supportive of breastfeeding. Indeed she was. She ensured that my daughter had other sources of nutrition, but was encouraging about my decision to continue to breastfeed beyond the first year. |
| 4 |
Sat May 14 14:10:16 EDT 2011 |
Jordyn Zimmerman |
I knew from day one that I wanted to breastfeed for as long as possible. My daughter was born at 42 weeks, a healthy 8lb 3oz. She had a great latch immediately. Maybe too great. I began to feel a lot of More....pain and my nipples even began to bleed a bit before we left the hospital, but the lactation consultants assured us her latch looked fine and things would get better.
Two weeks later I was in tears. Every time my daughter woke up I got sick to my stomach knowing she would want to nurse. The pain was unreal. Fortunately we were on the WIC program. I called the WIC breastfeeding counselor and she got us in that afternoon, minutes before my breaking point. She saw the beautiful latch, but also recognized my flat, bleeding nipples and my pain. We left with a breast shield that we used for the next 10 weeks. My nipples healed, my baby thrived, and 15 months later we are still nursing!
Had it not been for that wonderful woman, her knowledge and her empathy, we may never have gotten this far. I am so lucky to have that bond with my daughter, and even luckier to have had the resources to help us succeed. |
| 3 |
Sat May 14 14:06:29 EDT 2011 |
Anonymous |
When my baby couldn't latch on, we were forced to either use a nipple shield or formula feed. Formula was a huge no-no to my way of thinking, so I grudgingly accepted the help of the nipple shield. It's More....a concern using such a device because the baby may not be getting as much milk as she would without it. At our 2 week check-up my daughter still had not gained her birth weight, but had gained a few ounces back. I was ready to supplement with formula to get her weight back up, but her pediatrician assured me that she was fine as long as she was steadily gaining weight. This advice probably saved us from the struggle to supply enough milk while trying to supplement and ruining the entire breastfeeding relationship. I am so thankful to have been able to trust in my own ability to nourish my child, and she continued to grow and thrive from then with NO problems whatsoever. |
| 2 |
Sat May 14 12:53:34 EDT 2011 |
Emily Bailey |
I am still nursing my 22 month old baby, much to the dismay of some family members. I was on the fence about weening, how could I? This was our special time. I spopke to my family care practitioner, More....and she told me that as long as I was comfortable and the baby was happy, why stop? I was so amazed and relieved to have the support of my doctor. Most people think that breastfeeding even to a year is too long. It is hard to feel the pressure of society telling you that caring for your child in the manner which we were built to do is wrong. I was second guessing myself. I was starting to mourn the potential loss of something so special to me. My doctor told me that what I was doing was perfectly normal, healthy and fine. No need to stop, unless I wanted to. She also told me that if any family members had concerns or questions, they could contact her directly. I love my docotr! |
