Today I volunteered a couple hours at the CTDA table at the 2010 La Leche League Conference. It was nice visiting with some other CTDA doulas. It was fun seeing all the moms and dads holding babies in arms or slings. It was informative seeing other tables with services and products for babies, kids, families, and of course, breastfeeding moms.
Before I left, I was telling my kids about a time not so long ago when doctors were telling mothers that formula was the best food for their babies. And, many moms were listening. But, then there was a small group of women who trusted their bodies and followed their hearts. These women felt alone, being in a small minority, and going against doctor's advice, so they formed a group to support and encourage each other. LLL was born.
My daughter then asked "but now that everyone knows breast milk is best, why do they meet?" I told her without LLL I may not have breastfed her! She is my oldest, 12 years old. I'm not sure if a separation after her birth, or her head molding from being born posterior, was the cause of weeks of frustration and tears as we both tried to figure out breastfeeding. I remember holding her in one arm, and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by LLL in the other. I remember the pain and engorgement. The fear as she lost some weight, and the temptation of the "quick fix" free jar of formula on top of the refrigerator. The great advice my sister-in-law, the only family member I knew who had breastfeed multiple children, to just relax and enjoy my baby and the rest would follow. I remember almost giving up, despite a very passionate personal desire to breastfeed because I wanted to give my baby the best. And because I was not breastfed and had ear infections that led to speech problems, allergies and eczema, etc... pretty much everything they say you can avoid with breastfeeding!
Now, we all know intellectually that breastfeeding is best. But, new moms tell me again and again they are surprised, especially in the first few weeks, just how time consuming breastfeeding can be. They are surprised that breastfeeding can be so painful if the latch isn't right, or there's a problem such as thrush. They are tired, sometimes in pain from births and interventions. I hear them say "oh, so this is why some moms don't breastfeed".
New moms still need the reassurance that it does get easier; it will soon save time and be the most convenient option. They need to know they will soon enjoy this quality time cuddling and looking into their baby's eyes- times they will remember forever. They need education and help with good latches, early on before pain begins. They need to see other new moms breastfeeding. They need support to breastfeed where they want and however long they want to. And, they need extra hands and help so they can focus on the important work of learning to breastfeed, nourishing their newborn physically and emotionally. They need respect for their choices. They need supportive workplaces. They need reassurance when self-doubt or other's doubts chip away at their confidence in their ability to make enough milk. They need to know how to tell if their babies are getting enough.
I'm thankful LLL continues to help breastfeeding moms with these needs. Our society is better off because of La Leche League. I'm especially grateful for the help they gave me during my own breastfeeding struggles. I am in awe of breastfeeding moms for not giving up when it is difficult, for trusting yourself, and finding information and support so you can give your babies the best. My heart goes out to all new moms who hoped to breastfeed, or wanted to for a longer time, and couldn't find the support and guidance they needed. If you are struggling to breastfeed now, call your local LLL leader, a lactation consultant, or a postpartum doula. You are not alone. There are people who want to and can help. If you are pregnant and wanting more information about breastfeeding you can go to a LLL meeting, talk to a birth or postpartum doula, or attend Babies R Us Breastfeeding 101 night, 9933 Research Boulevard, in Austin (local doulas share information and answer your breast feeding questions).
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