I know we talk a lot on here about how moms make the decision to
initiate/continue breastfeeding.  I have been taking a slightly new tactic
with my patients who don't think they want to breastfeed, but aren't
outright hostile to the idea.  I have been strongly encouraging moms to put
the baby to breast "just once" in the delivery room before making the
decision.  I've had a few moms now try this, and most still don't continue
long-term, but I figure at least baby got a little colostrum, and perhaps
mom will be more open with a future child if they come along, and some moms
decided to continue.  I have one mom nursing her 1 month old now, who
initially wasn't planning to breastfeed!
I attended a birth this morning, mom age 37, 3rd baby, didn't breastfeed
previous children, really not sure about it with this one.  The last week
of pregnancy she said in the office "My breasts are leaking something!"  I
explained she was making colostrum in preparation for a baby, and that this
means her body is doing exactly what it should.  She still wasn't too
interested.  Then on admission in labor, she told the admitting nurse she
would be bottle feeding.  Labor was long, and she pushed a long time
(longer than either of her 1st too) and finally birthed her baby in a full
squat on the foot of the bed.  This baby appeared absolutely furious at
being evicted!  He screamed and screamed and screamed, would not be
comforted by anything.  Finally, I said - "Why don't you just try offering
him the breast and see what happens?"  She said "What the heck, I'll try it
once."  Baby quieted immediately when his face was next to the breast,
although he didn't latch.  I left the room to write my delivery note, and
the nurse came jogging down the hall to get me.  "You have to see this
baby!"  she said.  I went back in the room, and baby was latched
beautifully, sucking happily, and mom was grinning ear to ear.  "He's
actually breastfeeding!" she exclaimed.
Baby has been to breast several more times since birth, and mom is now
thinking about continuing - she works in a daycare center and can bring
baby to work with her, even.
So, it doesn't always work, but sometimes being encouraged to try "just
once" can be a start.
Jennifer Tieman
Family Physician
Mom to 4, including my toddler nursling Caroline Rose

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