I am sure I am not the only one to have had a horrible delivery -
1971, high forceps, vaginal delivery, 64 stitches -
Had I not attended six La Leche League meetings prior to the delivery, I
would have had no idea what to do - what the nurses in the hospital said
did not register. My body and bottom hurt too much - even with a long (in
today's terms) stay. In fact, the only thing I remember was a sweet nun who
told my husband that I needed beer to increase my milk supply. He went out
and got a six-pack. Luckily, he drank most of it during my 5 day stay.
After discharge, I called the LLL Leaders almost daily between November and
January (jaundice, high needs baby - or was it a high needs MOM?).
This is one reason I started a weekly support group in the hospital in
Puerto Rico that moms could come to after discharge from the hospital. The
monthly LLL groups were too long in-between for the first 4-6 weeks, and
the two day stay, even with a perfect labor, did not allow time for moms to
recover and learn.
In my current position I am frustrated. Even with the correct education of
hospital nursing staff (which we still don't have), it is the postpartum
support that I think is essential. My one visit to a mom who has called
because she is having problems is NOT enough. Moms need regular,
consistent support.
I was one of the lucky LC's who participated (VERY part-time) in the Davis
study mentioned by Dr. Heinig in the JHL. The moms were SOOOO grateful for
those repeated contacts - and the fact that no matter which LC they saw,
they got the same message. The support they needed, even with great
education, unusually high educational levels themselves, and a generally
supportive breastfeeding community, was much greater than even I expected.
Can't wait to see the results of the study. Kudos to that team!
Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA
mailto:[log in to unmask]
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