Hi.  I am Pam Wells, I made a New Year resolution to stop lurking and
introduce myself. So here I am!!   I am a RNC (registered nurse with a
certification in In-Patient Obstetrics), ACCE (ASPO Certified Childbirth
Educator) and a IBCLC.  I work in St. Louis  with a Nutrition-WIC program,
and absolutely love it!!  It is the most challenging and rewarding experience
I have ever had. I also work at a couple of the local hospitals as a parttime
LC for weekend coverage and I teach a childbirth class once a week.  I live
in Chesterfield, Mo, with "my three sons", my husband, a dog and 2 cats.

I breastfed Joshua and Jason, and when I had Jonathan I was told I couldn't
breastfeed him, because the medication I would be taking for the next few
months would not be compatible with breastfeeding.  Of course, it turns out
that I could have breastfed. This was 13 years ago.  The unfortunate thing
about all this (besides the obvious)  Jonathan is autistic. And who knows, if
I had breastfed him maybe he wouldn't be autistic, or maybe the autism would
not be as bad as it is.  Who knows!!  But, I do know that all his allergies
(he is allergic to everything!!), illnesses and infections, plus dental
problems, etc. would not have been so bad if he had been breastfed or
received breastmilk.

I am so thankful for all the wonderful resources on Lactnet and in the
lactation field.  Thank you for supporting, promoting, and protecting
breastfeeding everyday!!  What happened to me, 13 years ago, (misinformation
about breastfeeding and a drug) shouldn't have happened. The choice effected
the rest of Jonathan's life and my family's lives!  Sadly, this continues to
happen, even today!  Therefore, we need to continue to support and implement
the Code and BFHI all over the world.  So, keep up all your good work!


Happy New Year!!
Pam Wells
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