The nurse part of me just had to say something about the feelings other
people have and my feelings. About 12 years ago, I developed a Cesarean Birth
Class for our hospital. My idea was that recovery would be easier physically
if women knew about correct body mechanics for moving, exercises and
relaxation techniques to prevent some complications, use of pain medicine and
so on. We also dealt with the emotions associated with childbirth. The
fathers were taught ways to help and some of the "positive" factors were
discussed. We encouraged breastfeeding and even had a handout about
breastfeeding after a Cesarean birth.  Nurses did notice that women who had
attended the classes had much easier recoveries. I would like to think that
this was because we were good teachers and nurtured the families.

My own experience 16 years ago with pregnancy, labor, delivery, and
breastfeeding was as close to "ideal" as possible. I worked an extra shift
the week before our daughter was born, walked all around the neighborhood,
hoping to speed up labor, went to the hospital about an hour before she was
born, got out of bed when I wanted, and when the midwife said I could push, I
pushed once. She told me not to push again until going into the delivery
room, because the baby was crowning.

Anyway, it is painful to hear about childbirth experiences that need some
healing. That is why I developed the class, and that is why I developed an
interest in lactation consulting. I am glad that the breastfeeding
relationship offers an opportunity for healing. Reading LACTNET makes me feel
like I'm hanging out with some friends and neighbors, and I appreciate those
who are able to share their pain and joy.

Becky Engel, RN, IBCLC
Athens, GA