Client Question - Would like your opinion

[Tiffany]

I have not been a very successful breastfeeder personally, so I would like others opinions about this.

Quote:

(talking about another nurse) She also said I should get a breast pump and start pumping milk right away to avoid mastitis which is completely the opposite of what the nurse at the breastfeeding class said -which was that we didn't even need to buy a pump at all for the first few months

Any opinions?

Always the question. Hi Tiffany. Don't you hate getting conflicting advice? Well nothing I ever tried with my babes ever worked. I just thought I was a little too "type A" to breast feed.
I was teaching a CBE class and doing research on breastfeeding so I wouldn't mess everyone up (like I was) and came across an awesome book entitled " So That's What They're for!" by Janet Tamaro it is absolutely commical!!
Another little tidbit for you.... I have 4 children , 3 of which I desperetely wanted to nurse and FAILED miserably~ absolutely no patience at all. My last little guy~ worked like a charm. Again during my research I learned that if babe gets up to nurse within 20 minutes of birth They'll be far more successful. So after he was born my only thought was " Hurry Up! Give Him To Me, He has to Nurse RIGHT now!" And It worked!!! They say babies instinctively know what to do but they loose it after the first 20 then the first 2 hours. Medication can severely hamper they're skills and can set them back a few days.Hope this helps a little

[1stimestar]

A hint to remind your clients that nurses are not Lactation Consultants or Breastfeeding Educators and quite a few of them still have little knowledge of breastfeeding or even worse, incorrect knowledge. Pumps are not, in general, neccessary for successful breastfeeding and can in fact, sabatoge your breastfeeding.

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

pumps are great to get colostrum/milk for supplemental feeds IF THE BABY IS NOT NUIRSING WELL. if the babe is nursing well, mom has no need for a pump unless she is going to be a wohm.

[Stacey]

Dear Tiffany , I have had nurses that simply know very little about breastfeeding. Pumps are great if used correctly. The baby simply MUST be with Mom and ON Mom for those first few days. Check for any abnormalities ( fenulum"tongue-tied" ,ect.) and correct latch it essential. Pumps that are applied to the breast before her milk is in can cause engoregment , mastitis and it replaces what she needs most. Stimulation from her baby. Hope this helps..... Stacey