I had a similar conversation with two childhood friends when I was
pregnant with my first. Both of them did not get nearly enough support
from their families, and both, I think, got incorrect information (had
to wean due to taking antidepressants, baby wasn't getting enough milk
so FF was the only option and she didn't really have an LC or anyone to
ask to help anyway, etc.). They both cornered me and wanted me to know
that it was "OK if I "couldn't" breastfeed." I also had my MIL and SIL
give me the same advice - MIL had her kids in the late 60's/early 70's
when SO much bad information was rampant... and SIL's second baby sounds
like he had a lot of reflux problems and since he did not immediately
take to the breast as easily as her daughter, and "sucked down" a bottle
of formula even after refusing her pumped milk, she pretty much decided
he just wouldn't nurse. MIL said DH had jaundice, although since he was
her third, I'm not sure she would have tried anyway. Many people I know
honestly feel that formula is just as good.
My response to both of them was that I was going to breastfeed, not
going to try, not going to see how things went, that I was going to do
it come he** or high water, and nothing was going to stop me. I knew
how to get help if I needed it and fortunately our troubles were few and
only in the first week or two. I know there are many moms out there who
have a lot more severe problems, and do wind up needing to use bottles
or formula or whatever is needed to feed their babies, but that isn't
what I'm talking about. :)
I do have one friend who didn't BF past a couple of weeks with any of
her kids, but, I think PCOS and a general lack of help from either a
good LC or LLL was probably why. She has never been anything but
supportive of my BF, and I think is one of the only friends of mine who
has FF almost from the beginning who didn't try to tell me it was
possible that I "couldn't" BF.
I guess I'm determined and just very stubborn. :)
Liz Cammin, RN
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