My intent, perhaps not clearly stated, for doing prenatal nipple checks is
really as an excuse for two things: First and foremost for doctors to be
trained in telling ALL moms "Oh, you have beautiful breasts that are truly
perfect for breastfeeding." This little statement, true in 95-99% of cases
will go incredibly far at increasing moms' self esteem. So many women are
told by a variety of people that their breasts are this and that. My father
actually told his third wife that she had, and I quote "mosquito bites for
tits." BTY, I despise breasts being referred to in that way, but it does
happen. I think, and I believe research backs me on this, that most
American women go into pregnancy and bf with all sorts of preconceived ideas
as to what the "perfect" bf-breasts are and that they don't have them. Most
women latch on to the image of models (many who have been surgically
augmented) as the ideal body and yet only 5% of American women actually
could ever physically attain the body structure of the average model. (If
you want a good video on body image and falsehoods try SLIM HOPES--I show it
to my nutrition students).
Second purpose: have women who are of concern (surgery or lack of glandular
development, tubular shape or severely inverted nipples) automatically
receive a referral to an IBCLC. And, while I know the research evidence is
mixed on this, for women who have very flat/inverted nipples, I have had
great success with prenatally worn nipple shells. The mothers that I find
most telling on this are the ones whose own moms had flat nipples and the
ones who tried nursing a previous child. Whether the shells actually do
something isn't really the issue. The fact that these moms can proactively
do SOMETHING about something that they perceive to be a problem is all that
matters. Again, changing their confidence level and perception is what it
is all about.
Third (yes, I know I said two), to open up discourse about this subject and
offer ALL moms a referral to an IBCLC. My family practitioner for my first
child actually referred all pregnant moms to LLL meetings. What a smart
woman she was. She was one of the few MDs I know of who had actually
attended a LLL meeting herself (during pregnancy even!).
Just my few dribbles on this topic.
--
--Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC [log in to unmask]
INFANT CUISINE AND MOTHER CARE: Lactation Consulting, Perinatal Health
Education and Attachment Parenting Classes for parents and practitioners
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