Thanks For The Job! Now, Where Is That Training Manual?

While I was pregnant, I planned on breastfeeding my baby.  I attended a breastfeeding course while I was nearing the end (and drug my husband with me).  I paid close attention to all the tips and information from the lactation consultant who was leading the class. 

Once my little baby boy arrived, there was already a roadblock.  He was five weeks early, had trouble latching, and had to be bottle fed for the first couple weeks.  I rented a hospital grade pump and pumped for the first five weeks, while my husband and I fed him my pumped breast milk in a bottle.  We (my son and I) seemed to struggle a great deal in the beginning, when trying to use all the tips I had learned in my prenatal breastfeeding class, and I was ready to quit.  My mom and sister suggested I contact a certified lactation consultant.  I was willing to give it one last ditch effort.    

I had a few sessions with a lactation consultant, who came to my house, to help my son and I learn how to breastfeed.  Man, I thought this breastfeeding thing was supposed to be natural and instinctual; it certainly wasn’t for my son and me.  Eventually, we got the hang of it, and went on to nurse for a happy 12 months.   My lactation consultant was just the support I needed to help me accomplish my goal of breastfeeding. 

I know that I would have thrown in the towel, if I hadn't shared my troubles with my mom and sister (both of whom breastfed their children) and their urging me to ask for help.  I wanted to do it ON MY OWN, as I know so many other women have done.

Over the years, I have spoken to lots of moms who seem to have a similar stance:  “I am super-woman and I can do this alone!”  The reality is, this is a brand new job for us and it can't be done alone!  Why is it that when someone is hired for a new job, there is an orientation period where you are trained by senior staff, but when we are “hired” for the most important job of our life, there is no orientation, no training manuals, and no “senior staff.” 

Asking for help does not make a mom any less of a mom; it actually demonstrates that she is willing to go the distance to do what is best for her child.  I have found that whatever stage of parenting I am in, when I reach out and ask for help, it makes it SO much easier! 

Sincerely,

From the Stork’s Nest ~

Rebecca

      

If you or someone you know is in need of a certified lactation consultant, Stork Support recommends:

Michaela (Mickey) Kent, BSN, IBCLC, RLC

Certified Lactation Consultant

215-264-9437

Mickeykent@aol.com
Stork Support is always available to assist with the emotional side of breastfeeding!  Contact us today:www.storksupport.com