I am new to this list and really enjoy reading all the posts, I've
learned a lot. I wanted first to comment on extended breastfeeding. I
spent my first two children basically as part of the 'Back Room Club'
not because of any personal feelings, but of society at the time
(mid-70s) who did not understand at all why I was breastfeeding, much
less still (6 weeks #1, 6 mos #2). I did not want to wean #2 as I had
ample milk and not having a single problem, but I thought if I went
along with my husband's perception of how things worked our marriage
would improve (It took me 6 more years to figure out that nothing I
would do would improve it). I told second husband that I would nurse
until they weaned no, ifs, ands or buts. But I have to admit with #4 I
used a bottle for afternoons outside with the #3 toddler at play, after
about 6 mos, as I got tired of the 'you're still doing that' comments. I
figured one bottle a day (or if I was at someone's home) was a small
sacrifice for my sanity. But I have to admit, in retrospect, I caved
into societal perceptions rather than standing firm for my own. It took
a long time to change from all breastfeeding to ABMs being the norm, I
feel it will take a long time to reverse the trend.
  #4 was born in Germany (we are a military family) it was an
enlightening experience, I had no problem with bf in hospital or out in
public. More discussion and stares from carrying baby in carrier rather
than using a stroller and that we don't feed tea! I also had to beg to
get out of the hospital after 5 days which was an experience since #4
was born 18 minutes after we arrived!
   That comes to another perception that I have problems with, we need
to adjust societal perceptions of the whole childbirth process, on tv
the depictions are just too unrealistic and of course bf is either not
depicted or made fun of. Anyway my point is that we need to get to the
root of the problem before we chastise those of us who hide either out
of fear or just a desire to have a bit of peace and quiet.
   Also wanted to add that I nursed all 4 with contacts and had no
problems whatsoever, however, as with the earlier post, I too wear rigid
lens, that may be the difference.
   Finally a question (sorry that this is long), does any know of
literature on morphine and it's affect/precautions/etc. on bf baby?
Question came from a Leader who was questioning a hospital practice
after a mom called her. I am also a LLL Leader but with the PL Dept.
which is why question came to me. I find literature on it's use after
C-sec (which was the case here) but nothing on bf & morphine. Any help
would be appreciated.
Leslie ([log in to unmask])