Newspaper article

[debbieh]

I'm not sure if I'm putting this in the correct area or not. But my local paper ran this article in this morning's issue. The first thing I was struck by was the title. And then by the fact that this mother obviously had no support system in place, which I have always believed is so important to be successful. I would like to write a letter to the editor, or something but am not sure where to start.
In no way do I wish to "bash" this mother. More importantly I think, is to get the word out that breastfeeding IS important and that there are people to call for support.
I totally understand that sometimes, circumstances may make breastfeeding not an option for a few women. But I'm concerned that if any new moms are on the fence about breastfeeding, this article could sway them in the wrong direction.
Any help in how to respond would be great! Or just your thoughts on the article, without bashing the new mom.

http://www.tracypress.com/pages/full...=home_our_town

[PatioGardener]

Awww... I feel so bad for that mom. To paraphrase Jack Newman, Breastfeeding wasn't the problem - lack of breastfeeding was the problem. Debbieh you are exactly right - with good breastfeeding support that mom's story could have turned out very differently. It makes me angry that she wasn't able to access that help - even though she was seeing a physician. The health care system let her and her baby down big time.

[Ruthla]

What a shame that she thought it was "either breastmilk OR formula"- chances are she could have supplemented with formula while continuing to breastfeed. But chances are she didn't know any better, nor did she know how to increase milk supply, make sure the baby was latching on properly, etc.

There must be some way to write a letter to the editor that's still respectful to her- talk about resources for breastfeeding assistance, and encourage this mom to try again if she ever has another baby.

[elanorh]

I wonder if the best response might be something along the lines of:

(at least, this is what I thought while reading the article)

Coping with the changes which come with the arrival of a new baby is difficult for everyone; one of the things which can be most challenging, is breastfeeding. Many mothers, like the author, want desperately to do what's best for their baby.

What they lack, is the the information and support they need to succeed as they wish. I, too, struggled with breastfeeding issues with my first child (she, too, struggled with weight gain). Having listened to my friends' stories, I realize that I was blessed to have a Pediatrician who is very breast-feeding supportive. She referred me to an IBCLC lactation consultant, who also coordinated my care with my obstetrician. I was also blessed to have a family who supported me and believed that we could overcome our challenges. While my city lacked any breastfeeding support group at the time, I did read several excellent breastfeeding books during my pregnancy (So That's What They're For; The Breastfeeding Book (Sears); The Ultimate Guide to Breastfeeding Answers (Newman)).

Despite all my preparation and support, I literally came within hours of switching permanently to formula for my baby. I know now that despite my preparation and my good support system, I made decisions in my new-mom-overwhelmed-with-a-sick-baby fog that compounded my initial breastfeeding problems (I had low supply due to retained placenta, among other things, it was a complicated situation).

Even though we managed to make breastfeeding work with my first child, my husband and I were very apprehensive about breastfeeding with our second. We were afraid we'd have the same problems. However, our second child had no latch issues. In fact, she didn't lose a single ounce after her birth - she just began gaining! It was surreal to experience those first months with no breastfeeding worries.

I'm grateful for the support I had with my first child - if I had had less support, I would not have been able to succeed with my breastfeeding goal. I know so many friends who shared my goals but lacked the support they needed - whether it was a good LC, or a supportive spouse, or a doctor who understood lactation .... I came within inches of that same scenario. From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to urge the article's author to read more about breastfeeding, find a good support group, line up a good LC -- and try again if she has a second child. It may well be that her experience will be entirely different the next time 'round.

(That's rough - I don't plan to post it - but if it ends up inspiring you, feel free to lift bits. )

[sapphire_chan]

Include information on breastfeeding support in your area. Like a number people can call to find IBCLCs.

[Megan73]

Good letter, elanorh You should post it – it has just the right tone.