I've been following the discussion on how not to alienate mom's as we try
and support sucessful breastfeeding. Often times, I fear the same as you
all- I don't wish to "push" a mother but understand if I can get her
through the difficult time her feeling of "self sucess" can be met.
I recently received a email from one of my mom's that I'd like to share.
At the time I worked with her, I felt like such a failure since I couldn't
help her get past the difficulties she was experiencing. Her email let me
know that the support was beneficial ( and really brightened my day)! I'd
like to share it to remind us all that while we may not always succeed in
our eyes, often moms gain more than we thought from our support.
Dear Lisa:
I gave birth to my oldest daughter---- Sept.3 2201. I had great
difficulty breastfeeding her. I had sore nipples,blocked ducts,mastitis a
couple of times, thrush, depression, I wasn't bonding with my baby, etc.
Through it all you were a rock. You made yourself available to me 24 hours
a day, you talked me through crying jags. At the 5 week point, I expressed
doubts that I could continue but the guilt of deciding to stop was eating
me alive. You told me how proud you were of me for all the effort I had
given breastfeeding and that if I chose to stop that was my decision as a
person and I should not feel guilty about it. I did stop at 8 weeks, I
just couldn't go on. Nursing and pumping just became too stressful for me.
But you have no idea how your advise and words of comfort have helped me,
even 2 1/2 years later.
I gave birth to my second daughter. Despite the fact that there were no
lactation consultants at this hospital, I was able to breastfeed her. I
had the same problems with engorgement, sore nipples, but no where near
the problems I had with my first. I was able to work through the early
problems easily. Every time I became frustrated, I would close my eyes and
remember your voice , calmly explaining how I could adjust the latch or
how to get through the difficulty and it worked. My second daughter is now
4 months and a happy,breastfed baby and I owe it all to you. If it wasn't
for the non judgemental support you gave me 2 1/2 years ago, I would not
have begun to breastfeed this new baby.
I just wanted to thank you. I think of you often and wanted to personally
let you know how important your support was to me.
With much gratitude,
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