On Tuesday I got a call from the alternative school for pregnant teens. The
Stork Nest coordinator who has someone come and talk to the girls about a
prenatal topic wanted me to come and talk on Wednesday. Short notice. I
said okay. A while later, I had a 15 year old bring her 6 day old in for a
weight check. The little guy was doing great, was 5 ounces over birth
weight already. I got the idea to ask her to come with me the next day to
the class. She said yes!
Wednesday I went to the class. It was only 5 girls, in various stages of
pregnancy, and 3 of them were already planning to breastfeed. The other two
were adamantly against it, pronouncing it gross and vile and they were very
outspoken. I told them of course they could make this decision, but I wanted
to tell them a little about breastfeeding. So I did, and the 15 year old and
her baby answered questions. The fifteen year old told them she was doing it
for her baby's health. She wanted the best for her baby. She told them she
was planning to nurse for a year. (This school is for moms, too-it has a
nursery and they will come and get the mom out of class if she needs to
nurse the baby!) Or ifshe is feeling full, she can be excused to go and feed
the baby.
At the end of the session, the most outspoken girl said kind of quietly,
well, I might do it but just for a few weeks. The other outspoken mom who
is due in two months just kind of said, well, I guess I better come to your
class, when is it?
It was gratifying to see that these young women could do an about face on
this issue, and will at least be thinking about it. The teacher said she
was shocked, she never knew any of these things about breastfeeding, and her
own formula fed children had constant ear infections up until the age of
six. Just wanted to share!!!!!!
Ann Calandro,RNC,IBCLC
Certified lactnut
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