Dear Friends:

"As a (former) breastfeeding mom, I have to admit that that first week or
two, absolutely nothing stayed inside my head. It was overwhelming to have a
new baby, experience the changes my body underwent, and try to keep my
sanity as a mother of a growing family."

Thank you Sam Doak, for this perfect description of a new mother.

So why are we wasting our time talking *at* new mothers about the things we
have to check off on our lists?

We can't possibly be expecting her to remember what to do on Day 7 when she
is just getting through all of Day1 or 2, particularly if she's been
battered by technology, induced and/or cut open.

What works then?

How about operational assessments? She can recognize feeding cues, pick baby
up and position herself comfortably, and be interested in her baby's ability
to self-attach. She can hand express and give her milk to baby on a spoon,
even if baby is asleep. She knows to bring baby for a weight check 2-3 days
after hospital discharge. She has some responsible caring adult in her life
so she isn't alone?

For a new mother, doing is the only way to learn.

warmly,
Nikki Lee

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