Ringing In the New Year

I paid a visit to a friend on this first day of the New Year. She wanted me to meet her brand new baby boy -- just 4 days new! Even though it was her second time around with breastfeeding, she still had questions and needed reassurance. And even though my visit was social in nature, I needed to be reassured that their breastfeeding experience was right on target.
Baby was feeding about every two hours, usually at night when he was really awake. We confirmed that she rang in the New Year -- breastfeeding! She said his swallowing had changed -- he was 'gulping' now and satisfied after feeding. She could manually express white milk from her breasts too. And last but certainly not the least, the color and consistency of his stool (a.k.a. poop) had changed. What started as a dark green tarry stool, had now changed to a yellow brown 'seedy' stool.
With these reassuring signs, I knew that baby was breastfeeding efficiently and effectively. I reassured my friend that breastfeeding appeared right on course, textbook if you will. With the next visit, I expect to see baby gaining weight -- and have a name!
Did anyone else out there ring in the New Year -- breastfeeding?

Water the Plants

Just the other day, a nurse colleague made a remark that absolutely threw me into an outburst of laughter. Commenting on her breastfeeding experience, she said to me that she had enough milk to ... you guessed it ... water the plants! Now I usually have mothers describe their milk supplies as "enough to feed the neighborhood" or "an army" (just an expression), but never enough to water the plants! Keep in mind that human milk is about 87% water -- that's why it's a wonderful source of hydration for babies. Keep in mind that many, if not most plants, require water to thrive and survive. I'll admit that I did actually wonder, for a very brief moment, if a plant would benefit from being watered with, well, breast milk!

It's About Time

These were the words that my husband's brother uttered fifteen years ago when we announced our intent to marry ... after four, well, five years of courtship. I can also hear Jim remarking this as he reads my first post! And it's what I find myself saying to new mothers about the reality of breastfeeding -- it's about time. Giving of yourself to love, care, nourish and bond with your baby or babies -- takes time. Working mothers who choose to pump and express their milk for their babies -- takes time. Improving your skills of breastfeeding -- a comfortable position, recognizing the cry of hunger, knowing if you've "got milk" -- takes time!
There are times when you don't have time, but you've got to make time. Other things can wait. When it comes to feeding, your baby cannot wait. If it's time to breastfeed, put things that you're doing on pause, and settle down for time with your baby. That's what it's all about. Time ... cherish it, savour it. They're sweet moments ... for you and your baby.

Thanksgiving Thrill

Two days before Thanksgiving, I received an e-mail with "TV Show Interested" in the subject line. And then I had a telephone call the day before Thanksgiving from a television producer at ABC. She said they were taping a live television segment on breastfeeding and wanted me to join them on the set to discuss this hot topic. She said the television show was The View and asked if I had heard of it. What? The daytime talk show with Barbara Walters, Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, Star Jones Reynolds, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck? Of course I had heard of it, but this couldn't be. I really thought it was a joke. Did she know who she was calling and that I hailed from a city in the middle of Indiana? "We have your book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Breastfeeding, and read all about you. You seem like a great person for this segment," she said. "It'll be great publicity for your book and your business on live television," she added.
With the telephone in hand and my arm trembling, I accepted the invitation to appear and we discussed the details. She would e-mail the segment outline and call me after Thanksgiving to confirm my itinerary. I hung up the phone, looked in the mirror, and still couldn't believe the conversation that just took place. I looked at the clock -- an hour before a much needed hair appointment -- how ironic!
Two days after Thanksgiving, I received a phone call. It was the producer. She didn't sound as excited as she had before. She regretted to inform me that her executive producer had chosen someone else to appear, a pediatrician. She was sorry she couldn't use me. The thrill was over. Oh well, it was great while it lasted. Maybe I'll wait and hope, like David Letterman, that Oprah Winfrey calls.

Welcome to Breastfeeding Baby!

Finally, I've found the right outlet to provide up-to-date information to parents everywhere looking for a reliable source about breastfeeding! Working day in and day out as a clinical lactation consultant, I see, hear, and realize the trials and tribulations that mothers experience with breastfeeding. Many clients have told me they wish that other mothers could benefit from what I've counseled them about breastfeeding. Well, now everyone can! I look forward to writing this blog and sharing my professional expertise with each and everyone of you. If you need more information and want a reply as soon as possible, please write to me or visit our website, Mommies & Poppies. Breastfeeding and blogging ... a match made in ... cyberspace?