As
a new mother, of a pre-term baby born via C-section, in 2002, I
faced an uphill battle with not only breastfeeding but
milk-production. Not being allowed to even hold her after
delivery at 9pm, until the next morning, because the hospital was
under staffed, and having her tube-fed formula-against my wishes,
affected my milk-production as much as having every nurse giving
me conflicting advice as to how to breastfeed and to use, or not
use a nipple-shield, and affected my confidence in my body's
ability. This resulted in the use of Domperidon, a drug used to
boost lactation, as well as a mild case of postpartum depression.
After my recovery, I had to leave my daughter in the care of
the NICU for 3 weeks! I would arrive at the hospital every
morning and spend the whole day with her learning to breastfeed
and pumping a storage for the night in hopes she would not be
given more formula-although I know she was because I had to wean
her from it once we were home, and it influenced a dramatic
incidence of colic, for several months. An over-production of
milk and a blocked duct still did not deter me from breastfeeding
exclusively. I was determined to bond with my baby since I was
deprived of it immediately after her birth. Despite all of these
very negative and obviously distressing issues, I persevered and
breastfed her for 4 years!
I began my practice as a birth doula, exclusively attending
births, for 3 years, (2003 to 2005) before incorporating
postpartum work, into my practice. I assisted many women, in that
time, to establish breastfeeding, and helped them to troubleshoot
in the early postpartum period. I referred many women to
Lactation Consultants if their breast feeding issues were not
within my scope of practice. I am so proud to know most of them
breastfed exclusively for at least 6 months to one year, and some
continued to 2 years of age, along with solids.
In 2005 I attended a workshop entitled: Breastfeeding When
Special Care is needed through La Leche League with Kay Hoover.
It was extremely informative as to different breastfeeding issues
such as nipple shape and size, and various factors influencing
babies needs.
In 2007 I attended the 12th Annual Breastfeeding Education Day
at Douglas College in B.C. which featured Barbara Wilson-Clay
speaking on Breastfeeding, Informed Consent, and the Issue of
Guilt, and Rethinking the Vocabulary of Latch-On. I researched
the WHO paper: Breastfeeding: how to support success. Which I
highly recommend to all.
This year I attended: Preserving the Simplicity of
Breastfeeding in a Complex World: A New Paradigm for Depressiojn,
Stress and Postpartum Healing, given by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett,
and La Leche League Canada. Kathleen enlightened her listeners as
to the connections between breastfeeding and Postpartum
Depression. A very informative and educational lecture, indeed.
As a mother and a professional birth attendant, I have seen
the correlation between epidural use and delayed milk-production
and latching issues and drug use making babies slower to
breastfeed. With formula companies knocking on your door the
first day of your baby's birth posing as a welcoming committee,
or a kind nurse who pushes you into using formula touting its
ease and convenience, is there any wonder why women with a
history of depression, or not, would feel inadequate and
frustrated, and give-up the struggle to breastfeed?
As a certified Lamaze childbirth educator I include a two-hour
breastfeeding segment in all my series. I know how important it
is to let soon-to-be parents know all moms and babies need to
learn to breastfeed. Although it is natural, there are many
factors that can influence successful breastfeeding, and
sometimes it is hard work. Uninterrupted bonding time immediately
after the birth, for about an hour, is very important. Patience,
perseverance, and accessible, non-judgmental community support
are key to success. Breastfeeding support is crucial.
Breastfeeding decreases negative mood and also protects babies
from depression while moms stabilize during the postpartum
period.
With todays epidural rates, in North America, being so
dangerously high, I fear new parents are in danger of not
receiving information as to how valuable and essential
breastfeeding is for themselves and for their baby's well-being,
and normal, healthy development.
Women need good support during labor to try to avoid
interventions and C-sections. Depression in the 3rd trimester and
postpartum is associated with higher rates of epidural,
cesareans, instrumental vaginal deliveries (vacuum extraction or
forceps) and NICU admissions. Women and their partners need good
support during and after their birth experiences.
Birth doulas form a relationship of trust and educate their
clients as to how natural birth practices are achieved, and why
they are important. They are a continuous form of non-judgmental
support throughout labor, no matter how it goes, and assist with
breastfeeding immediately after the baby is born, for up to two
hours. They meet with the new family, at least once, to de-brief
their birth experiences and assist them with their transition
into parenthood.
Postpartum doulas also assist with breastfeeding; make
referrals whenever asked for, or needed. Postpartum support is
important if only to de-stress a household and assist moms and
dads to rest/ sleep. We assist also with day to day household
chores; baby care; have access to community resources; facilitate
learning of new parental skills; and provide links to social
support which is clinically proven to decrease postpartum
depression.
I would highly recommend contacting your local doula
association, attending a childbirth education series that focuses
on empowering women to birth and breastfeed, continuing
education, and if you have a chance to go to any workshops,
lectures or attend a La Leche League meeting do so, before your
baby is born. The knowledge gained is invaluable, and can help
mothers to achieve successful breastfeeding and as a result, a
healthier family.
Breastfeeding
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