I posted a couple weeks ago about my plan to take my nursling with me to a
CME conference and though I'd post a follow up.
Baby Caroline attended the AAFP's Family Centered Maternity Care Conference
with me last week.  She was an angel, mostly sleeping or nursing the whole
day.  She spent some time also happily making faces at other conference
attendees.  Two days of the conference, my friend brought along her five
month old baby as well, and we sat in the back together.  Her baby was a
little busier than mine, but both were remarkably well-behaved.
The first day, they were the only 2 babies visible, but the next couple of
days several other moms brought their babies along, too.  (And every baby I
saw was nursing!)  I think seeing Caroline contentedly attending gave
several other moms courage to try bringing baby along at least some of the
time.  All of the course intstructors were very gracious and many commented
on how nice it was to have a baby along!  I think having the baby with me
made it easier to concentrate, especially since I have a bad habit of dozing
off in the afternoons, which I was unable to do with my babe in arms!
The conference focused on obstetric care, and I was pleased that many
instructors mentioned the effects on breastfeeding of different
interventions and hospital practices.  There was only 1 session actually
devoted to breastfeeding, though, and it was so-so.  At this session, during
a small group discussion, I was saddened to see how little many of my
colleagues knew about managing breastfeeding problems, but encouraged that
many of them wanted to learn.  I am going to e-mail the instructor of the
breastfeeding session, though, and see if I can encourage her to change her
language -- there was much emphasis on the "benefits of breastfeeding" and
no recognition of the breastfeeding as the norm.  (And one unfortunate
comment that babies should nurse for no more than 15-20 minutes per side
because after that "it's just a pacifier.")
I was glad I chose to bring her along, and we both enjoyed several days of
constant contact after I had been back to work for a week and a half.
Hopefully, I'll be able to attend the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine this
fall, and bring her along as well!
Jennifer Tieman
Family Physician
Mom to 4, including nursling Caroline Rose born 5/31/03

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