Hello, my name is Laura Taylor, MS,RD. I am new to lactnet and have enjoyed
reading the discussions, and have sent one or 2 private messages, but decided
I'd best get around to introducing myself to you all. Thanks to Cheryl for
sending me the article. I work with the WIC program in Virginia and was
instrumental in getting our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program going in my
district. I have always been interested in breastfeeding and will probably
pursue LC status at some point (when I have time and money!) I am currently
breastfeeding my own 5 month old son, Hayden, (first child) and loving it!
We had a rough start (I have inverted nipples, he was tongue-tied, etc.) but
after the frenulum clipping at day 5 he began gaining 2 ounces a day and
gained 5 pounds by his 2 month checkup. All this on routine feedings (2 1/2
- 3 1/2 hours)as opposed to "demand" as it is typically practiced (feeding in
response to any cry). He is currently eating every 3 1/2 -4 hours. The
main problem we are having now is he is beginning to prefer the faster flow
of bottle nipples while I am at work (I'm working 3 days a week now, he gets
2 bottles a day of my milk--pumping is a pain, but I'm determined! He's
wanting to suck lightly at the breast and expects the milk to fall out. Lazy
boy!)
I have been especially interested in the heated response to the
Babywise feeding program. Is there anyone out there besides me who LIKES
sleeping through the night and being able to plan your day? (Hayden slept
through by 5 1/2 weeks). I think if there are problems with the routine
feeding philosophy it is when the mother doesn't know enough about
breastfeeding to tell if the baby is getting enough. The 3 hour intervals
aren't the problem, a baby who takes too little is the problem. A baby who
takes 2-4 ounces in each of those 8 feedings per day is going to get plenty
of milk, just like any formula fed baby. My advice to anyone working with a
mother who is dedicated to the program is to help her assure that her baby is
latched on correctly, nursing effectively, eating a full meal before falling
asleep, etc. rather than continuing ineffective feedings more often. And of
course to educate her on how to identify symptoms of dehydration early!
We've all seen articles that blame breastfeeding in general for some cases
of FTT, dehydration, etc., regardless of demand or routine feedings (I HATE
when that happens). Anyway, that's my soapbox. Thanks for listening.
Looking forward to getting to know more of you.
Laura.
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