This afternoon I received an email that confirmed to me that I am finally on the right career path. I often receive questions regarding infancy and breastfeeding from girlfriends with newborns. They know that I am interested in all-things-baby and have done tonnes of reading and of course have experience with my own son. I feel validated to have had a query from a stranger! My journey continues….
A friend of a friend sent me a message requesting breastfeeding help. She is new mother to a sweet 13 day old boy, and is not finding breastfeeding to be the joy she had hoped it would be. Experiencing difficulty obtaining a correct latch, the mother’s nipples have become increasingly sore. Along with wearing on her body, this frustration is also wearing on her mind. She expressed to me that she felt like “a pathetic mother” for having to substitute with formula because she couldn’t stand the pain.
That statement was heartbreaking to me. It is the fact that so many women feel so badly about themselves and their breastfeeding journey that makes me want to pursue this career. Breastfeeding should not be painful. Babies instinctually know how to nurse, but as mothers, sometimes we need some direction on how to create a proper latch. The latch does not always come easily, and mothers need not feel badly about requiring help. In fact, the simple act of asking for help shows that they only want the best for themselves and their babies!
This frustrated mother asked if I would do a house call and go to help her. Oh, to be able to jump in my car and head over there as a real live certified lactation consultant – what a dream! In the meantime, I have referred her to someone much more qualified than I. I wish her all the best!
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While she is waiting for the lactation consultant to arrive, I suggested a short internet video clip which is great at demonstrating a proper latch. For any moms out there in cyberland looking for a great breastfeeding video, I highly recommend this one: http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding/started/latch_on.aspx
A Mom Like Me 
February 2, 2010 at 6:06 pm |
Just want to say your article is striking. The clarity in your post is simply striking and i can take for granted you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your rss feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the ac complished work. Excuse my poor English. English is not my mother tongue.