Just thought I'd share a couple interactions with mothers I've worked with
recently as I've been thinking alot about them lately...

The first mom was someone I'd seen a couple of months prior for "oversupply
syndrome" and breast refusal.  That resolved and she called periodically with
concerns like plugged ducts, parenting concerns, etc. that were successfully
resolved over the phone.  This last call entailed a bout of beginning breast
refusal and mom sobbed out, "I don't know what to do, maybe you should come
over again."  While continuing to listen I wondered how best to help her and
decided that this like the other phone times was somehing she could handle
alone with just a bit of guidance and support.  I admit I really questioned
myself after I hung up with her wondering if I'd done the right thing as
sometimes, big or little problem, having person to person contact is needed.
 The next day I call her and one of the first things she says is how
empowered she felt when I said to her that she got through other crisis and
she did a good job and that she'd get through this, too.  She was so grateful
for having someone believe in her as a capable mother (she had shared she
often didn't feel so) and that I feel is 90% of what we do (or at least, what
I do) as LC's!

The other mom's situation involves, I think, the same theme of empowerment
and happened just today...she shared how when nursing at night she stopped
hearing swallowing from her breastfeeding baby and closed her eyes and
thought of her milk flowing and soon thereafter her baby began to swallow
again.  She said she didn't know if she had any influence on her letdown but
it happened again at another feed.  Of course you did I informed her and told
her how beautiful and wonderful the power of mother love is!

I don't share these to toot my horn or anything but I've just been thinking
how beautiful and wonderful for me and all of you these moments are that we
are so priveleged to share with mothers!

Warmly,

Barbara Latterner, BSN,RN,IBCLC

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