Jennifer, Thanks for your reply.   As I have said before, I always learn a
lot from your posts.  I give you much credit for the decision to stop
renting pumps.  I am moving in that direction, too, for exactly the reasons
you mentioned and so accurately described.  How disappointing for you to
hear the parents' decision to feed breastmilk from a bottle.  It is so hard
for me to understand that choice.  The first time a dad asked me about that,
I actually burst out laughing because I was sure he was joking!   When I
found out he was extremely serious,  I was shocked.  All I could stammer
was, "Well, you could do that, but it's twice as much work" or something
that seemed quite lame.  I went on to try to explain the" relationship"
aspect of breastfeeding, but I think it fell on dear ears.  I try to be as
non-judgmental as possible and reinforce the positive things that the
parents are doing, or did with the first baby, etc., but sometimes I just
get tired.  The moms I see in private practice or as outpatients in the
hospital usually have a much different attitude, and truly want to
breastfeed and overcome their obstacles.  The rewards are so great when we
are both working towards the same goal.

I recommend TOUCHING by Ashley Montagu to lots of parents because not only
is the whole book great, the chapter on breastfeeding will give you
goosebumps.

Sincerely,Patricia Ellis, RN, MA, IBCLC

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

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