>>>> My choice to exclusively pump stemmed from the fact that I knew my
child would be with a caregiver within 4 weeks and taking a bottle anyway. 
I had flat/inverted nipples, combined with his high palate, a bad bout  of
jaundice and a weight loss in the first 5 days of 15%.  We used nipple
shields, worked on latch, position, used a finger feeder and an SNS.



>>>>My apologies for any frustration sensed in my original post.  My
experience is individual and not all LC's are like the ones that I dealt
with.  I think the LC's I dealt with did see my choice as a failure on their
part.  My frustration lies in the fact that I had to receive most of my 
education" about pumping from other women who pump, or thorugh my own
research.  



It is not what the IBCLC wants that is crucial here. It is the job of the
IBCLC to support the mother with accurate information and

assistance. Sometimes, in doing so, with even the most delicate technique,
and manner, the mother reacts explosively, defending herself and feeling

judged, even when no judgement was intended. She is her own judge, and jury.
..and perceives that she herself has failed because of the set of

circumstances. The fact is that the mothers in this situation have been let
down by society and by our "system,"...they have been subjected to birth

practices that are inhuman, and not supported by any evidence whatsoever in
terms of safety. They are unsupported after birth in their breastfeeding,

and they then return to work and are not welcome to bring babies or to pump,
often. It is a lose-lose situation for many mothers. They have been

dumped by a system that is not fit.



>>>>I agree, however, especially for moms who choose to exclusively pump for
whatever reason, there is a whole different education that needs to take
place.   They are "artificially nursing" and need to have a better
understanding of the process.  They need to be educated about endocrine vs
autocrine production.  Why it is so important to pump often for the first 15
weeks.  The the establishment of prolactin receptors during that crucial
time dictates how successful their pumping and supply will be after the 4
month mark.  



>>>>These are the things that I had wished someone would have educated me
about when I informed them that I would exclusively pump.  The frustration
and/or defensiveness you may have sensed comes not just from my experience
but the experience of other women.  One women who just joined pump moms
informed us all in her intro that her lactation consultant told her that her
supply was established at 6 weeks post partum and that she could cut back
her pumping to 5x per day.  That misinformation could have set that mom up
for failure.  



I wanted to ask you if you currently work with lactating women...as I
noticed that you posted on Lactnet as a new mother. Lactnet is a forum for

professionals, although we welcome others who wish to read and learn to
listen in on the interesting and varied discussions.



>>>>I read lactnet as part of a wide array of resources and ongoing
reading/research on lactation, breastfeeding, and pumping that I have put
together through internet and book research in the last 6 months.  I am
considering working towards my IBCLC.  I work with moms in a support group
at a local hospital as well.  I also spend some time in message boards for
moms who pump or have breast feeding issues to see what concerns are and  I
frequently recommend that moms seek the advice of an IBCLC lactation
consultant.  (despite my own experience)




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