I want to share my own personal experience with breastfeeding and what has lead me to become an IBCLC (Intentional Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Before my first son was born I was certain I would breastfeed. Little did I know my breastfeeding journey would be so difficult.
On April 2nd 2014 had an emergency C section which prevented me from seeing my son for 6 hours after his birth. Following his birth we struggled with latching and there was not much improvement for days. Professionals encouraged me to keep nursing and assured me my milk would come in. After 5 days, 2 visits to public health, a home visit from public health, a trip to the dentist to have his tongue tie cut and much solicited advice, my milk had just started to come in but my baby’s latch was still not right.
Getting him to latch made me so nervous I would sweat and always end up in tears. On top of this stress I would feed in the nursery alone for fear of making others uncomfortable. Day 6 I noticed orange crystals in his diaper and knew he had become dehydrated. I had a feared this would happen and knew how serious it can be. At the hospital they did a heal prick. He had become so dehydrated he couldn’t even bleed. The Dr. Advised me to “supplement” and sent me on my way. I felt guilty. Guilty for not being able to do the 2 things my body is made to do. Birth and feed my baby. I felt like a failure.
I knew I wasn’t ready to give up doing what’s best for my son. I had already sourced the help available to me and they let me down. In the end it took 5 months to improve his latch! For 9 months we would breastfeed both sides then pump both breasts as I fed my son a top up bottle of my pumped milk with formula. I took all the vitamins, herbs, teas, cookies and Domperidone your advised to and I still didn’t have enough milk to catch up. It was exhausting but I did it because I felt it was best for my son.
On May 20th my 2nd son was born. This experience was very different. I birthed him vaginally and held him on my chest from the moment he came out until I walked out the hospital hours later. Once again there were latch issues. We worked on his latch and had his tongue tie released early on. After 10 days my baby could latch without issues or pain. I felt like I had won the lottery.
Since the birth of those two boys I have had 2 more boys! I breastfed my 3rd for over a year and I am very proud to share that I am still nursing my last baby.
All this said I hope you feel my compassion to any struggles you may be having. Most moms feel they can’t meet their breastfeeding goals in large because they do not have the support and education they need to succeed!
This day in age there is a lot of pressure to breastfeed. I believe it can offer a special bond between you and your baby. It’s something truly special but it can also cause you a lot of grief and that’s where I come in. I want to be there for you and help you meet your goals. I want to be the support that I never had. I also want to bring some reality to the pressure most new moms feel and the guilt they experience if not all goes as you planned. If breastfeeding is your goal I want to help you make it happen!
In addition to my IBCLC training I have spent time following the godfather of breastfeeding, Dr. Jack Newman at the International Breastfeeding Center. I have also traveled to the United States for a tethered oral tissues course taught by the world renown Dr. Kotlow. I have since taken many other courses by Dr Ghaheri on tongue ties and have a deep understanding of their effect on breastfeeding.
$200
In home or hospital visit:
I will come to you! The second you are having problems or concerns call me and I will do my very best to see you as soon as possible. I will also do a follow up visit or phone call a few days after our initial visit.
$100
1 HR Prenatal breastfeeding education
I will meet with you for some prenatal breastfeeding education.
$75
Virtual Comprehensive Breastfeeding class.
Use the link below to purchase the class and view on your own time!
https://mamasauruseducation.thinkific.com/