I have been listening in and writing in a few times in the last few weeks,
but didn't know an introduction was standard fare. I apologize for my
ignorance.
I am a "slightly older than middle-aged" RN, specializing in the newborn &
mother for the last 17 years. I taught Lamaze for 6 years, infant care for 3
years and prenatal breastfeeding classes for 9 years. I became a CLE in 1989
through UCLA and got my IBLCE in 1996. I nursed all 4 children (oldest 31 & a
pediatrician and youngest 15 & a video game playing nut) a total of 9 years.
My third weaned herself at 20 months when I was 8 months pregnant & I was
heartbroken at the time, for I planned to tandem nurse. But my baby nursed
the last time when he was 3 years 4 months old.
Strangely enough, he doesn't remember that at all, but at 15 years old he is
still a "huggy boy", so I think his subconscious  remembers.
I work in a hospital setting and see the results of epidurals, vacuum
extractors and forceps. I also see the results of the high rate of inductions
with women coming to the postpartum floor from the DR already with large
amounts of fluid in their breasts.
We have a 76% breastfeeding initiation rate, but many mothers supplement
while in the hospital - I believe due to fear when babies aren't nursing
right away. This fear is augmented by many of our nursing staff. I'm sure
this is a big problem everywhere.
I want to say, I'm glad to be one of you on the Lactnet. I love the passion
and the evidence-based information. We need an equal mix, don't we?
Cheryl I Muller, RNC, IBCLC

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