Breastfeeding Help needed in Silver Spring NOW

[chandasz]

My best friend is living in Silver Spring. She had a C-section this past Tuesday and is now having MAJOR breastfeeding problems. Baby is dehydrated and refusing breast. She's had to supplement.

She's very very upset and needs help today and doesn't know who is available on a saturday. Please post any resources... good lactation consultants or LLL leaders in the area.

She's been apprehensive to talk to LLL because she has the perception that they are militant and I think she's afraid of being judged.

PLEASE HELP!

[mojumi]

Originally Posted by chandasz

She's been apprehensive to talk to LLL because she has the perception that they are militant and I think she's afraid of being judged.

Oh, dear! I was going to suggest LLL since there is always someone available, and I know there are active groups in that area. If she'd rather call an IBCLC (may be best if baby is in medical distress, anyway) I can recommend Margaret Wills, who lives in SS and who is completely warm and welcoming:

Margaret Wills IBCLC,RLC
15340 Beaufort Pl.
Silver Spring MD 20905
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Another IBCLC near your friend I can strongly recommend is:
Lynnette Hafken MA, LLLL, IBCLC
20701 Spinning Wheel Place
Germantown MD 20874
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Hope that helps -- encourage her to call TODAY! Hope she and baby get some r&r and time to enjoy each other --

Monique

[homewithtwinsmama]

I was scared off LLL by a cousin and a month after birth turned to them in desparation. And would have failed to nurse my twins if not for two wonderful leaders. Tell her they are NOT militant and only want to help her succeed. Call one now. Or PM me and have her call me. I am not certified, but have been doing childbirth ed for 9 years and have helped MANY mamas with initiating breastfeeding, even doing counseling for a cousin in New Jersey who had cesarean related issues over the phone regularly for a couple weeks until she was finally successful and able to stop supplementing.

[Awaken]

Hi there, she can call me, I am near SS. Haven't yet met a LLL leader who was militant- we're all just moms like anyone else who want to support other moms in caring for their babies.

I also recommend the wonderful women listed above.

I'll PM you.

[gkb2215]

I was having a lot of problems at first, too. I recommend contacting the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington.

They sent a wonderful lactation consultant to my apartment the next day, and she was so helpful and supportive. She consulted on the phone with me the night before her visit and she called me twice over the next couple days to follow up. It cost $150, but it was worth every penny, since things immediately improved and I could actually enjoy nursing my baby!

[MeiTaiMamma]

I would also definitely recommend talking to Pat Shelly at the Breast Feeding Center. I had a lot of advice from the lactation consultant at the hospital, a LLL leader and my midwives, but none of them gave advice that was "real," in my opinion. Pat was wonderful and non-judgmental and really helped my process. I went to the Tuesday morning groups and eventually a weaning class. I also can say my NP at my pediatricians was the other positive force. I really feel for her. I was the same way. First thrown for a loop by cesarean then unable to nurse. Very frustrating. I would never have nursed for 2+ years without Pat.

[chandasz]

Thanks everyone for your help! My friend has been in touch with Margaret Wills and is on a plan to get her milk supply up. She's supplementing with the hopes of easing that down once the supply is built up. Baby is gaining and my friend is sounding much calmer and more positive.

You guys have all been fantastic. Thanks!!

[mojumi]

Originally Posted by chandasz

Thanks everyone for your help! My friend has been in touch with Margaret Wills and is on a plan to get her milk supply up.

Great news! Thanks for the update.

[Awaken]

That is wonderful. It is always great to hear an update, and that mom and baby are doing well and able to continue with nursing!