Dear all,
I know I'm probably going to open up a huge can of worms here, and I
should really keep my mouth shut until I actually have time for the
response... :) ....but I would like to offer myself as a resource to any
of you who are dealing with over-scheduling parents, or those who choose
not to co-sleep because of certain "methods" they are following.
I personally got my start in parenting under some of these methods. The
approach worked quite well for me, and I breastfed exclusively and
successfully....but I also have OAMER which I didn't know then, so milk
supply was never a real issue *for me*. It is for a great many women,
as you well know.
I have since learned a great deal about the problems with this approach,
but I have found very balanced ways of using the "good" in these methods
and tossing out the "bad" and the "dangerous". Because many of these
moms have been scared away from LLLI and LCs, they have a hard time
listening to the truth they need to hear.
I am generally successful in helping these women because of my own
background using the methods. I don't bash their method, and I'm not
offended by their choice. I can "speak their language" and help them
implement balance and truth. Many of them are Christians and so am
I...so we can relate on a spiritual level as well, and I make sure to
get them thinking biblically.
A bit more about me...I have four children, ranging in age from 6 1/2
years to 6 mos, all breastfed exclusively and successfully. The longest
any one has nursed is only 16 mos, but that seems to be typical of
babies of OAMER....they never really learn to comfort nurse. In all
cases, my babies have given up nursing on their own, much to my
disappointment, rather than me forcing them to quit. I have slept with
all my babies to one degree or another except the first one. I tried it
with him on several occaisions, but he was such an active sleeper
(wiggly) and he also hated to nurse at night (again because of the OAMER
which I didn't know about at the time). But I must have done something
right...he is a healthy, happy kid, always has been -- very cheerful and
very active and very bright, and VERY loving and warm. :) Oh, and I also
love to wear my babies in a sling. :)
If I can be of assistance to anyone, professional or parent, I would be
glad to help out. Please feel free to email me privately -- I don't get
to read every message on Lactnet so I may miss it if anything else comes
along in this thread. My email address is [log in to unmask]
(mailto:[log in to unmask]).
I am revamping my web sites right now, and will be adding info on
balanced use of a schedule. I'll be sure to let you know when I have
some content there.
Marci :)
--
Marci O'Daffer, CCE, CIMC
mailto:[log in to unmask]
Certified Childbirth Educator
Certified Internet Marketing Consultant
***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|