They Are Not Always Right

by Ann Millette

I am the mother of three. I have 2 girls ages 8 and 5 and a little boy about to turn 1. I breast fed my first daughter for 1 year and my other for a year and a half.

When my son was born there was no question about breastfeeding him. It had been 5 years since I had nursed a baby so I was a little out of practice, but very determined.

My milk came in just a day after my son was born, full force.

At first the nurse on staff was very supportive. She brought me a pump so if I had problems while my son was in the nursery, I could pump.

My son was a very big baby and started sleeping through the night right away.

The following day the problems began. It was taking a little time for mom and new baby to find their nursing niche. My son and I were figuring out what worked for us.

Because I was engorged, it was a little harder for him to latch on properly, but we figured it out. Was it a text book latch? NO, but my son was eating and I was not in pain.

Having nursed before, I knew to listen for him to swallow and if I was in pain he was not latched properly. This was not a problem.

The new nursing staff had 2 nurses who were lactation consultants. As they came in to check on me, one kept grabbing my breast and trying to force it into my son's mouth, while holding the back of his head. The other just kept telling me I was doing it wrong.

I knew my son was gaining weight. I knew we were fine. At one point during my 5 day stay (c section), each nurse offered me a bottle because we, "Couldn't get it" and "He wasn't eating enough", etc.

What if I had been a first time mom? How many moms GIVE UP because of nursing staff that is too quick to take the easy way out versus being supportive and helpful?

I checked with my pediatrician about my son's weight and he was growing perfectly fine. My son was just fine even though we didn't have a text book latch.

Sometimes no matter what a textbook or a "trained professional" thinks a mom knows best.

My son is still nursing at almost one year and is about 20 pounds. Listen to your heart, it can tell you what is best for your child!

Hang in there the benefits are well worth it!