I agree with giving the info, what to watch for etc line of thinking and not
giving mom a cause to worry if something looks to me as a possible red flag.
I take note and make sure moms knows what to watch for.

 

However, I have many, many moms calling me telling me they PCOS, or no
breast changes or funny shaped breasts or hormonal issues or family history,
etc, etc and they are already thinking they will have a problem.  They have
read stuff online - talked with friends, family, etc.  They already have the
worry.  With those moms I am very honest - yes, sometimes there is a problem
and sometimes there is not.  So this is what we look for after the baby is
born, and we will keep a close eye on mom and baby and make sure that all is
well.  If it isn't, then we go from there to solve the problem and find a
solution that works for them.

 

The response I get (overwhelmingly) is THANK YOU.  These moms have people
blow off their concerns with well meaning folk who don't want them to worry
and who honestly believe that they will be just fine - you know the whole
"EVERY woman can breastfeed" and "It's so easy to do, really!" routine.
They need their feelings of concern validated and they need an honest answer
of the risks and true possible outcomes.  I always tell them that just
because they have this or that doesn't automatically mean they will have a
problem (unless they personally have a history that has proven a problem).
Then I am very clear on what to watch for, what is normal, what isn't and
when to get help.

 

I have yet to have anyone get mad at me for being honest.in fact, they
usually come to me for assistance to simply make sure all is well, or if the
red flags prove themselves to be a true problem, they come to find a
solution.simply because I answered their questions honestly and didn't blow
them off.

 

Warmly,

Jaye

 

Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM

Breastfeeding Network

Sacramento, CA

www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

 


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