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From:
Janet Simpson <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 15 Dec 1996 16:51:25 -0500
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Hi All,
Most of you know about my "Hell" with BF my youngest son, Ben (now 27 mo old
and still BF!)  But, some of you don't, so.....

When Ben was born, I knew that I would BF.  There simply was no other way to
feed a child, IMO.  Since I had BF my first son with no difficulties (an NO
education), and I had read several good books (got really lucky!) I figured,
"No sweat!  BF will be a piece of cake!"  WRONG!
By the end of the first week, the left nipple was a mess, and there was a
plugged duct right under the areola that made any BF excrutiating.  I ran to
the store and bought a handpump (the kind I warn moms about now!), and
started pumping to ward off engorgement (which I had not gone thru since I BF
that kid all over the place!), but dumped the milk, because I didn't know how
to save it, or if I even could.  The right nipple was also cracked and
bleeding with a brater forming in the center.  I was calling my OB, and the
advice nurses for help.  I even called LLL, and was told by 3 different
leaders that it "sounded" like I was doing everything right.  No suggestions
from any of them to see an LC (I didn't know what one was at that time
anyway).   By the end of week 2, the right nipple was a mess and too painfull
to be BF on.  I made an emergency trip to my OB who took one look at me and
said "Oh, Dear!"  I had infections in both nipples, bi-lateral mastitis, left
nipple was missing about 1/2 of the left side, and right nipple had a crater
in it 1/4 in deep.  He said "Do NOT BF that baby.  Get a pump, and pump like
crazy, feed the baby the breastmilk, and call this person."  Never told me to
use formula, tho I knew I had to cause it was feeding time, and there was no
way I could put that baby to breast again.  SO I went to the store, crying,
got the formula, cried as I paid for it, went home and sobbed as I gave my
baby that garbage.  Called the number my OB had given me.  It was a gal named
Anne (who has been on Lactnet before) and she put me in touch with an LC
named Karen Evon (whom many of you know!).  She took one look at me and said
"Oh Dear!"  Got me on a pump right away while My older son B-fed baby any
milk that was pumped out.  It was 2 wks before I had my supply up enough to
totally sustain Ben on breastmilk.
OK, now what was wrong with the BF?  Well, the positioning was fine, the L-O
was fine, except that I had a baby with a very high bubble palate (diagnosed
by Chele Marmet a few weeks later) and a strong and sensitive gag reflex.
 What he was doing was stuffing my nipple into that palate rather than taking
it to the back of his throat where it should have been.  SO we did suck
training and waited 2 months for my nipples to heal.  The bi-lateral mastitis
refused to resolve, even tho I was on 3-4 different antibiotics continually
(would you believe we never got thrush??)
After 2 months, we were able to latch Ben on to the right breast, as long as
I used a nipple sandwich hold, we were fine, but let it go, and I had
blisters in seconds.  It was two more months before I could BF on the left
breast.  Every time I tried, it hurt, like there was scar tissue getting in
his way under the areola, and would not allow for a proper latch.
Now Ben was born Aug 24, 1994.  It was Dec 17 before we were BF like an
almost normal couple, and Jan 1, 1995 before I returned my pump permanently.
 I was in pain, the bond between Ben and I had stopped dead at 2 wks, and I
had fought family and friends for continuing to try and BF.  The only support
I had was from my hubby and his family, and my LC and Dr.
Karen encouraged me to join the WIC program, and become a PC, because I had
told her that I wanted to do something to help other women NOT go through
what I did.  (I tend to take a traumatic life happening and use it to help
others avoid or get out of similar situations).  Little did I realize that
within months, I would become the crisis BF counselor, get my CLE, and become
a PC trainer.  I read and soaked up everything I could so that I could help
others.  Three of the many moms I worked with went on to become PCs, one of
whom is now a counselor for working moms who are pumping.  I have had many
moms succeed (they say becaus eof my help, I say because of the work they
did), and have given many moms "permission" to quit when it was obvious that
they simply could not cope with their situation.
I have been looking all my life for my "Niche", and finally found it.  This
field is something I believe in (I can "Sell" BF!) and is something I am good
at.  I am a people person, and can talk to just about anyone, and help them
understand what it is they need to do to succeed.  It also makes me feel good
about myself, because I know (I have proof!) that I have done something to
help someone, (well, 2 someones and 3 in the case of twins!) and have made a
difference in the world, even if it is a small difference.
My family thinks that I am a BF radical but what do I care?  They think I am
nuts because I am still BF Ben (27 mo old) and 8 mo pregnant and plan on
tandem nursing.  Have I ever mentioned that everyone in my family ABM feeds?
 I don't know anyone who has BF their child (except for my cousin-in-law who
BF her kids for a year then quit cold turkey.  Hard for the babies...) and
when they see me BF Ben, they ask me why I don't do "That" in another room.
 You all know me well enough, I think to know what I would say to that!  :D

Well, that is why I help women to BF their kids, or should I say, what
inspired me to help other women BF.  Plain and simple (guess I could have
said this an hour ago...) A baby who didn't have a clue, and caused me all
kinds of agony, gave me a direction in life, something I had been looking for
for years.

Love and hugs to you all!
Jay

PS  Just a note...Ben never lost any weight, in fact by 2 wks he had gaine
almost a Lb!  Thank goodness for a copius supply and strong let down.  Also,
2 days after he want back to BF on the right breast, he refused his bottles
of EBM.  He was BF one sided for 2 mo, and had a slow but steady weight gain.
 WHen he went back to BF on the left breast, he gained 3 lbs in 3 weeks!  Now
he is still a BIG kid!  At 27 mo, wears size 4T's and is commonly mistaken
for a 3.5 yr old because of size and vocabulary skills.  Love those BF kids!

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