I wanted to jump in on the first latch discussion.  I could not agree with
Rachel Myr more when she advises for us to leave a mother and baby alone on
first latch.  Our need to help can all too easily become a barrier for good
breastfeeding initiation.

With my first child, I went to nurse her for the first time about an hour
after birth.  Instantly I had four women and my husband with their faces and
hands pressed in on me.  After a few minutes of struggling to get my space
and bodily control of me and my baby, I barked out, "Let me do it!  If I need
help, I'll ask!"  Thankfully, everyone backed off immediately.  But, my point
is that sometimes the mere interference (even by well-meaning "experts")
conveys the idea that mom and baby cannot possibly figure this out on their
own.  They need "assistance."  Does this create as many breastfeeding
problems as some medical interventions we criticize?  Hmmmm...I wonder?

Jessica Harrison Carlyon, CD, CLE

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