Salvaging My Nursing Relationship
Sherrie L.
WA USA
From NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 16 No. 4, July-August 1999, pp. 122-123
We provide articles
from our publications from previous years for reference for our Leaders and
members. Readers are cautioned to remember that research and medical information
change over time.
It seems like only yesterday
that my beautiful daughter was born. I waited an eternity in anticipation
of her arrival and spent the last four weeks of my pregnancy on almost
complete bedrest because I was diagnosed with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension.
When I reached 38 weeks gestation
and my blood pressure kept climbing, I was scheduled for induction.
I was excited and well prepared for my baby's birth. I had done lots
of research and had decided on midwifery care. My husband and I had
taken childbirth classes and I had the services of a wonderful doula.
My labor was drug-free except for the pitocin to induce labor and the
drugs I was given to prevent stroke and lower my blood pressure, which
was dangerously high. It was a difficult and exhausting labor, but in
the end I had a healthy and beautiful baby girl. She latched on right
away and I was sure there would be no problems breastfeeding.
The next day I checked out
of the hospital, and by the following day, it was as if my world had
come crashing down around me. My beautiful baby refused to nurse. When
I put my breast near her she screamed violently. I tried to express
and got only a very little, very thick colostrum. I was tempted to give
her a bottle of formula, even though I was very committed to breastfeeding.
I knew about the dangers of nipple confusion, but did not know what
else to do. My sister suggested calling La Leche League. I was hesitant
to call complete strangers and ask for breastfeeding help, but I was
also desperate and willing to try almost anything to salvage my nursing
relationship.
When I got a Leader on the
phone, through the tears, I could barely choke out the words to explain
my difficulties. The Leader on the other end was so calm and understanding.
She asked me lots of questions and was able to coax me into a less agitated
state. She suggested that if I did need to supplement that I consider
using a supplemental nursing device. This device delivers milk to the
baby through a tube taped to the breast, so that nipple confusion can
be avoided and the mother's milk supply can be stimulated.
When the home health care
nurse arrived, she immediately diagnosed the problem. The medication
I had received to control my blood pressure during labor, magnesium
sulfate, is known to cause dehydration and delay milk production (Halderman
1993). My baby was frustrated with getting nearly nothing, so she had
begun to refuse to breastfeed. The nurse suggested that I drink copious
amounts of clear fluids and then discussed supplements for my baby.
I popped right in with a question about the nursing supplementer and
the nurse was very surprised. She said this was a wonderful solution,
but she was not even going to mention it because many mothers refuse
to use it. To many mothers it seems awkward, so they would rather just
give a bottle. She wanted to know where I heard about it and I told
her from La Leche League. The nurse told me this was a wonderful organization
and she highly encouraged me to attend some meetings. My milk finally
did increase on day six and I continued to use the supplementer for
only a few more days. It was awkward, but it did the job.
I attended my first LLL meeting
when my daughter was four weeks old. At La Leche League, I found many
like-minded mothers and support for my parenting style. My daughter
and I became a well-established nursing couple with the guidance of
mother-to-mother support. Thank you to La Leche League and all the volunteer
Leaders who so generously donate their time and energy to help mothers
nourish and nurture their babies at the breast.
Reference
Halderman, W. Can magnesium sulfate therapy impact lactogenesis? J Hum Lact 1993; 9:249-52.
Last updated Friday, November 3, 2006 by njb.
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