Seven months ago I worked with a mom who was having various problems ending
with a stubborn yeast infection.  She was somewhat resistant to many of my
suggestions along the way, and when she didn't return my calls I concluded
that she had probably stopped breastfeeding.

Today she called because her still-nursing baby was hurting her nipples with
his four teeth, while falling asleep at the breast.  Also he was turning to
look at all of the interesting things in his world and taking the breast
with him.  She wanted suggestions, and support for continuing to nurse her
baby because she, her husband, and baby all like it.  WOW! Was I surprised!

She went on to say that it wasn't so much of a problem in the night because
she finds that she sleeps most of the night and doesn't even know how many
times he nurses.  He is beside her and just helps himself. :)  She said that
I and Dr. Sears' book convinced her to share family sleep and she is so glad
they are doing it. She works at home and has a nanny to care for the baby in
the day time but, along with his solid foods, she feeds him at her breast a
couple of times a day. The evening and night-time feedings are such a good
way to reconnect after her focus has been away from him in her work.

I encouraged her to attend the next LLL meeting to get the support she needs
to continue nursing, with all of the negative reactions-- including the
neighbor across the street!  She said that she thought, just today, of doing
that.

Can you all see me kicking up my heels and dancing away from the phone?  My
smile is as big as my frown was a couple of weeks ago when I was ranting
about the absolute power of MDs.

This is GOOD!!

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee

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