Barbara,
I'm in the same boat here in Puerto Rico. Many women think their babies need to
be fed "before the milk comes in." I've been using the following explanations
for them:
1. Your baby hasn't had anything in his or her stomach *ever*. When we haven't
eaten for a long time, we don't start with a pork chop, we start with small
frequent meals to check things out. After a while, we are ready to take larger
meals - and when your baby is ready - your breasts will be providing it!
or
2. Your baby doesn't have the bacteria it needs to digest the formula, yet, but
the gut is ready to recieve that perfect first food, Colostrum.
or
3.As your baby has never had food in his/her stomach, Mother nature puts a
protective liquid in your breasts that will help your baby's system, protecting
him/her from infections and nourishing her at the same time.
or
4. Your baby is just now learning how to breathe, suck and swallow. Mother
nature puts a nutricious liquid which packs a whallop in a small amount, so that
the baby can learn how to do all this without being overwhelmed with too much
right now. When your baby is more expert, your breasts will provide more!
(I often remind them of the old Pep-----Bis--- ad - the image of colostrum
lining the digestive system makes sense to them.)
As for lack of reading, our moms don't either. It is just a habit they tend not
to develop here, even if they are educated. Videos are ideal - in MD's offices,
in clinics, in hospitals, *anywhere*.
Oh Oh - here I go again with another Hurricane!
Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC
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