world breastfeeding week 2010: breastfeeding, in the world.
Milon & Connor, 7 months
I had goosebumps when Milon told me about her breastfeeding relationship with Connor. Milon is a fellow doula and friend and was so kind to spend some time sharing her story with me this week. After a rough start in this world for sweet Connor and having to exclusively pump for him, she stuck with it and was lucky to make it work at last. We met at the park to talk breastfeeding and snap some beautiful photos of the two of them together, and I'm so happy to share these pictures and Milon's thoughts in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week.
What was the best breastfeeding advice you received? What would you go back in time and tell yourself about breastfeeding as a new mom?
I think the best breastfeeding advice I received while pregnant was to seek help early. It's so important if issues arise not to just wait it out hoping things will change. Without timely, high quality advice things can quickly escalate and affect your supply, breastfeeding relationship, state of mind and so much more.
Then, after Connor arrived, the best advice I received was to be persistent. And honestly if could go back I'd reiterate that and tell myself it would most definitely be worth it.
I was lucky enough to be fairly well educated about breastfeeding before giving birth, enough to tell good information and practices from bad. This turned out to be especially important since Connor was born very ill. He was unable to breastfeed for the first month and I pumped exclusively during that time. I'm so grateful for all the NICU did for him - and to their credit they did encourage mothers to pump. But many of their routine practices were like a checklist for breastfeeding failure, from bottle-feeding with a formula-company-made nipple (they refused to try syringe or cup feeding him); to a permanent syrup-coated pacifier in the mouth; to a strict feeding schedule... I was told repeatedly that Connor would probably not be able to breastfeed and had problems such as a weak suck and poor appetite. Well, within a week of coming home he was exclusively breastfeeding. He gained a pound and a half in the first two weeks.
I saw two extremely helpful IBCLCs and just tried my best to keep offering the breast. It was extremely difficult. Having your baby repeatedly reject your comfort and nourishment, when you too are at your most vulnerable, is crushing. Then one night, out of the blue, he suddenly decided to give it a try. And never looked back. He's been exclusively breastfed since that moment. Well, apart from the solids he's getting now!
I feel extremely proud and happy that my persistence paid off and to have a solid breastfeeding relationship with my son now. I'm also humbled to know how lucky I am and that it could easily have gone the other way - my supply could have tanked, I could have lost heart and Connor could simply never have made that decision one night to do it. I know others have wanted it just as much and not been as lucky. So, equally, if things hadn't worked out this way, I would want to go back and give myself credit for having tried so hard. I would tell myself not to beat myself up over it, to enjoy my son and remind myself that all we can ever do is try our best and be there for our child in whatever way we can.
I'd also add as advice to expectant mothers, compile a list of resources while you're pregnant - lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, La Leche League meetings (go to some!), phone helplines, new mum's groups... You'll be short of time and energy once the baby arrives and especially so if you end up needing this kind of help!
Thanks Milon & Connor!
Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 10:36PM | 3 Comments
Reader Comments (3)
What lovely photos! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you a million times over for these words:
"I know others have wanted it just as much and not been as lucky. So, equally, if things hadn't worked out this way, I would want to go back and give myself credit for having tried so hard. I would tell myself not to beat myself up over it, to enjoy my son and remind myself that all we can ever do is try our best and be there for our child in whatever way we can. "
I am reading your story and sobbing as I remember how things worked out for my son and I am so so touched that you would take the time to think of people like me.
Lovely images!! Happy World Breastfeeding Week!