That's great! Most of us would accept that raising kids has their
challenges, but sometimes the reality of those challenges are understated.

Maybe we need to do our own, "If only I had known" series. Feel free to
chime in. These statements are mostly from friends who I have talked
to (since I am not a LC), and encouraged to breastfeed.

If only I had known....
- that breastfeeding isn't always enjoyable (or convenient)
- that a mom could have feelings of resentment toward their child because
the pain they were experiencing was too much for them
- that there were more moms out there who endured the pain and overcame it
(or that I'm not alone)
- that my child would be a slow gainer even with formula
- that our children are only small once, and will only be breastfed for a
relatively small amount of time

-- 
Renata Mangrum, MPH, RD.
http://nurturingnotes.blogspot.com


On 1/17/07, Centro Lacted <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> I been reading up on the discussion on bf classes.  My opinion, based
> mostly on the comments made to me by mothers plus studies related to this
> topic, is that many times  bf classes paint or disguise behind the benefits
> of bf (and all that is related to them) the real truth of the
> matter...really meaning that, around 9 out of 10 of new moms are going to
> present some challenges.  Most moms complain that in their bf classes they
> were presented with this idea that is nothing compared to the reality.
>
> To make myself clear, challenges are not barriers...that is another
> topic.  But we have to give a clear image of the reality of breastfeeding,
> especially the first 6 weeks.
>
> A lot of mothers are surprised, and many discourage by things like the
> baby not latching on on the delivery table (how many do really latch on at
> this moment???), having difficulties latching on the first few days, sore
> nipples (it is not normal...but it happens more frequently than we want to),
> the frequency of the first few weeks (telling them that bm is easily
> digested and that is why they bf so often makes many to run out for the
> formula...insted I would suggest telling them to watch out for 8 to 10
> feedings in a 24 hour period in the first few weeks), the importance of
> nighttime feeding, and many other topics many of us already know.
>
> I do offer a prenatal class (I have been doing so for the past 12
> years).  I call them my "knowledge class"...I prepare them to overcome the
> possible challenges and to let them know these are normal.  The topics I
> cover are the following:
>
> 1.  Suggestions on how to prepare themselves for bf during pregnancy
> (education, literature, support groups).
> 2.  BF at the hospital
>       -the delivery room
>       -rooming in
>       -solving difficulties at the hospital
> 3.  Follow up
>       -pediatrician
>       -consultation/support groups
> 4.  Positioning
> 5.  Baby's latch
> 6.  How to identify if the baby is getting enough.
> 7.  Frequency of feedings.
> 8.  Nipple confusion (why it happens, how to avoid it, alternative feeding
> methods).
> 9.  Sore nipples.
> 10.  What can they expect on the first 6 weeks.
> 11.  Where to find support in their community.
>
> I usually end my classes with the slogan (in Spanish) "Grab the phone
> before the bottle" and explain to them that the first step to solve
> difficulties is the phone.
>
> Many mothers ask for a "breastpump" class.  I usually tell them that
> before thinking about breastpumping, they have to first establish
> breastfeeding.  But if once the baby is born they require help with
> breastpumping, I will gladly walk them through it.
>
> This has worked out for us...we have  a high bf incidence among our
> practice.
>
> Carmen Cabrer, IBCLC, LLLL, CCE
> [log in to unmask]
> Puerto Rico
>
>
>
>
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