Ah, an LC for every mom...I can see that as a good thing if the LC has the
time to also offer the support a mother needs beyond the immediate solving of
any problems she has. Of course, not all mothers will have problems. Maybe
some areas don't need this sort of major support and help because they are not
so lost in the art of birthing, breastfeeding and mothering that an expert
needs to step in. But, in my area, I can see that it would be very nice
indeed. I would take it a step further and suggest that every mother needs
someone to come help her every day for a few hours a day as she learns how to do
the things mothers do. We used to call those people our mothers, but for many
in my area that is not a reality. And, sadly, most of the mothers who could
and should be there filling that role did not breastfeed. I know my mom's idea
of helping me was to suggest a crib, a bottle propping device and towel at
the door crack so I could not hear my baby scream. Her biggest concern about my
breastfeeding was that I would have to actually hold that baby to feed it!
Can you imagine! Her comment was "you know Pam, if you are going to do that
you will have to hold that baby every time you feed it!" Haha. Guess we
know the source of all my psychological issues....a lack of human contact during
feedings. Haha. Lucky for my babies I did not listen. Maybe for this one
generation we will need to provide intense support and help, but then the next
generation will have their mothers!
From a realistic point of view in terms of government funding and
intervention I would like to see that every single health care provider at any level
who may come in contact with a breastfeeding dyad be expected to have at least
the knowledge of who to ask before they make a statement about weaning or
offer breastfeeding information that is going to harm the breastfeeding. I like
the suggestion of the WHO 18 hr. course another posted offered. I would like
breastfeeding to be the beginning of do no harm. That we would not more
consider interfering with breastfeeding then we would interfere with normal
breathing. Taking a training that taught to refer, to recognize a problem and
send for appropriate help in breastfeeding management would go a long way to
success. So many times a mom comes to me through a friend or online searching
when her pediatrician really should have referred her to a community lactation
consultant. In our area there are many to choose from and yes, I think they
know that the hospitals have lactation consultants. When a baby is not
gaining well the first response is supplement, and I won't argue the quick fix
that provides, but along with the recommendation to use formula needs to be the
referral to a professional to help find out why the need in the first place.
I also know this varies because not all areas have lactation consultants
available for services. Of course, in the USA, even if there are services
available it is not always feasible as not all mothers can afford private services
and few insurance companies reimburse or pay. Even for the hospital based
outpatient services. This varies by state, but by and large there is not
equal access to care for breastfeeding difficulties.
We should also remember that peer support is not just the idea of some of
our Lactnet members. It is the Tenth Step in Baby Friendly. Women need a
support system if breastfeeding is going to work. There is research to support
the importance of peer support for breastfeeding success and no need to make
light of the importance since it has made it into a world's health view. For
some that is their family and friends. Some women make it on their own for
sure, but if they are in a community with no support, everyone thinking they are
odd for not just being normal and giving a bottle, they are more likely to
quit at the first problem. By being part of a community of peers that supports
breastfeeding they are more likely to continue through any struggles and
accept the help they need to work through concerns. Yes, the LC may make it
happen, but it is the peer support that keeps it happening. One gives us
initiation and the other duration. We need both.
Take care,
Pam MazzellaDiBosco, IBCLC, RLC
PS Is there a new address for posting to Lactnet? It does not go through
when I just hit reply, so I am using the address in my address book, but will
that change?
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