This was obviously from last week already, but here were my thoughts
anyway...
Sam writes:
If we
have "experts" on artificial infant feeding, who are also supposed to be
experts on breastfeeding, where is the line drawn? The line starts to blur
-
I'm an expert on formula a, and it's almost as good...
~~~ I look at it like this: I will never believe nor lead anyone else to
believe that using an artificial limb is normal, or as healthy as using one's
own ( it actually costs a lot more energy), nor would I ever suggest
someone use a wheelchair or crutches when they could, with some good work over
time, transition back to normal walking without an assistive device. But I
will support the use of the items for those who need them, and I will learn
as much as I can for people for do need them. People who casually choose to
use bottles or artificial infant milks over breastfeeding do not need my
guidance. But today, and there may be anger over this, I helped a mother
I've been working with decide which AIM and which bottles might be the least
risky for her baby. She was of "advanced maternal age", obese, with huge,
shapeless nipples and breasts which never changed during pregnancy, and after
pumping appropriately, herbs, nutritional support, and supplementing with
a tube at breast for a week, she still got no more than 1.5 ounces of milk
in a 24 hour period. We talked about other options like acupuncture and a
consult with a local breastfeeding medicine specialist. She said she was
afraid of needles, but might consider the consult to try to figure out why her
body did not respond to any/ all the things she tried. We talked about
milk banks, but our current system is not set up to help mothers so that
anyone who needs human milk for their baby can have access to the supply needed.
She was devastated, and tired of working and seeing nothing change. Since
her baby was nearly 2 weeks old before any of this was suggested, I have no
idea whether earlier timing might have made a difference, but for now, she
said she's done trying. I encouraged her to keep putting the baby to
breast, even if she doesn't think he's "getting anything" because breastfeeding
is so much more than transfer of calories. I also answered her questions
about how formulas are and are not different, and how to feed her baby as
safely as she can with a bottle, and with an eye toward normal amounts and
pacing. I do feel like these are helpful and compassionate skills for me to
have.
Peace,
Judy
Judy LeVan Fram, PT, IBCLC, LLLL
Brooklyn, NY, USA
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