All Natural Mommies

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in /home/jaztrio/public_html/natural-news/wp-content/plugins/socialize/socialize.php on line 165

Warning: in_array() [function.in-array]: Wrong datatype for second argument in /home/jaztrio/public_html/natural-news/wp-content/plugins/socialize/socialize.php on line 140

Ever since the day I started nursing Zachary, I have felt the power of breastfeeding. We had a rough start, but today, I can look back and am so thankful that I stuck with it.

However, I have to wonder, who would? I mean, do mother’s REALLY stick it out, though the pain, engorgement, sometimes sores (or any of the other “things” that can happen to new breastfeeding mothers)?

My sister, always said while pregnant that she would give breastfeeding a try…well, today, I can proudly say that Rylan’s mama is beating the odds, she’s had pain – often crying though nursing sessions. She’s had (and has) open wounds – which she can’t get to heal. She also has a “slow growing” baby – who’s gaining only 1/2 an ounce a day, instead of the 2 oz’s that the doctors want.

However, she’s persevered, Rylan is now 8 weeks old and STILL nursing, he’s happy (most of the time), having all the wet diapers he needs and is thriving.

Katherine, on the other hand is not so great, one of her nipples has a “hole” in it, she’s having alot of pain still on one side, and Rylan is not gaining as much as “the doctors” would like.

She’s done, what most mother’s might consider enough. She’s read up on all the great websites (like Kellymom.com), she’s talked to her OB, she’s talked to a LLLeague leader (and even had her come by her house), and today she went to a Lactation Consultant – something I thought was a GOOD IDEA! However, I am not so sure now! This has me so upset I can’t even tell you, hope you don’t mind my rantings.

This LC recommended that my sister SUPPLEMENT – something that NONE of Rylan’s doctors have even suggested! (Someone, who’s “supposed” to be pro breastfeeding, now recommending supplementing?)

She also scared Katherine beyond what she could handle, a new FIRST time mother, she’s scared, nervous and confused. She went to this person to put her mind at ease, and to see what she had to say to try to HELP Katherine.

Instead, the LC not only recommended formula, after seeing her (and him) for less than an hour. (She actually recommended formula use, after only talking to and seeing them, for 15 minutes of the hour consultation.) But she also went into how Rylan’s head was malformed, and how if she did not do something about this NOW there would be NOTHING they could do for it later.

She went on and on about it, for nearly the rest of hour we were there (yes, I went with her). She helped little with idea’s on how to solve the pain Katherine is having and TOTALLY on his head, and where Katherine should go to get this “fixed.”

I have loved breastfeeding for some time, one of the reason’s I am still doing it almost 4 years after I started…as such I have always WANTED to become an LC – however, after this visit – I am not so sure this is something I would be good at. I can’t in good conscience, scare mom’s like this, and totally ignore why they are even there to see me in the first place. Not to mention, I could never tell a mom, who’s looking to me for answers to questions, and guidance – to give any baby formula. At least not a mom coming to me for HELP with breastfeeding!

I am not really sure where I am going with this post, other than to say – Mom’s out there, who might be reading this…PLEASE PLEASE if you hear ANY advice anyone gives you take this -

No matter what ANYONE says, Take what you can use, and LEAVE the rest. No matter weather you read it in books, hear someone saying it, or even hear your doctor telling you. NO one, NOT ANYONE, knows YOUR baby better than YOU do. Take EVERYONE’S advice, listen to it. Then take what you (and your family) can use, and leave the rest!