Tag: breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding in Public: It is (Not) a Big Deal!
Breastfeeding moms are kind of ridiculous.
Seems like all we say is, “Hey, breastfeeding is so not a big deal! Lighten up, naysayers!” But then we stage nurse-ins, tweet to businesses that have mistreated us, and remind everyone from our friends to the mailman about the zillion ways that “breast is best.” I know, it’s a bit backwards to make a point of talking about breastfeeding at every chance, purposefully inflating it into a big deal when the bottom line of our advocating is, “Hey people, breastfeeding is NOT a big deal!”
Especially, especially, especially… breastfeeding in public.
It’s Great That Baby Likes to Suck, but Breastfeeding Straight-Up SUCKS!
If breastfeeding had remained static in all the physically burdensome, emotionally draining, and psychologically-testing aspects as it were in the first six weeks or so, then would I still be nursing?
Well, yes!
But I say that only because I grew a whole other heart for breastfeeding as time progressed. Breastfeeding may have helped shrink my uterus back into its petite pre-partum shape, but it created something else entirely to take its place. Something knitted of emotions, and big enough to house a whole growing child.
Of course, the answer that makes more sense is… No.
Is Your Doc Breastfeeding-Friendly or Breastfeeding Phony?
Photo Credit: Ana & Ivan Lifestyle Photography
At MaiTai’s first well baby check-up, his pediatrician was supportive of his being breastfed. She assured me, “Your milk is good, don’t worry!” (Okay, I hadn’t been worrying… until now?). When MaiTai turned six months old, she was also supportive of continued breastfeeding coupled with the Baby-Led Weaning method of solid food introduction when I mentioned that the traditional puree-spooning route that she typically suggests (like most pediatricians) just wasn’t for us. At his one year appointment, naturally I expected her to be supportive of continued breastfeeding. To my surprise and disappointment, she was not. In fact, when she found out we were still giving the boob, she said, “You should really switch to cow’s milk now. It’s more nutritious.” Is it? Is it??
Here’s what I think. If your breastfeeding-friendliness has an expiration date then you aren’t truly breastfeeding-friendly. If you give out the expert pediatric advice that an infant should switch to another species’ breast milk due to an untrue claim, then not only are you not breastfeeding-friendly, but also not breastfeeding-educated. A frightening pair of descriptors for an individual with pull and power within the professional medical community and influence among new parents.
Was our pediatrician the only one? Let’s take a look at the bigger picture.
Very First Doctor’s Note for Baby (Copy & Bring to the Birth Hospital)
I’m a healthy full-term baby. I’m exclusively breastfed.
I trust that my Mommy knows best, so please ask her, _________ (mother’s name), whether it’s okay to give me anything other than her milk. This includes water, glucose syrup, formula, and even pacifiers.
I eat on-cue.
But please help my Mommy to breastfeed me every 1-3 hours while we’re in the hospital by tending to her childbirth recovery needs while she tends to mine.
I need to stay with my Mommy at all times.
Her designated birth partner, ________(birth partner’s name) will stay with me in the event that I might need to leave her side (let’s do all of my pediatric check-ups at the side of her bed or in her arms! Thanks!).
We’re both new to this, so we like to consider all decisions together very carefully.
- We decided to postpone my first bath, so…
Mommy will let you know when it’s okay to bathe me.
- Also, I don’t want an unnecessary surgery right now, so…
whether I’m a boy or a girl, my genitals will remain intact.
- We have a limited list of approved visitors, so…
please double-check about visitors because we need private time to bond.
With love and trust,
___________________________________________________ Mommy’s Signature
___________________________________________________ Baby’s Name
Mama's Milk, No Chaser 