Hi Gail I'm not a home birth midwife, but I'm interested in what you're saying, because I was a student once upon a time, and I remember thinking the same. I was fortunate to gain a lot of experience with a lactation consultant who I came to respect as her 'skills' were incredible to me. Often if I was having trouble getting twins to attach, or needed help with hand expressing, I would ask her for assistance and then watch and follow her lead with assistance.
In my opinion, some women have difficulty with breastfeeding and some do not. First time Mum's need the most support, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Attachment principles are important and assistance should be offered to promote successful long term breastfeeding (which we all know to be best for baby). Why do they have difficulty? There can be a number of reasons. A lack of knowledge is often the biggest problem. Not wanting to over simplify the matter, breastfeeding involves the mother and baby, specifically the nipple, breast, baby mouth, baby tongue, colostrum/milk and time. If any one of these factors is a cause for concern (flat nipple, closed baby mouth - sucking on the nipple only, letting the baby fall asleep before the feed is over, inadequate emptying of the breast, etc, then it often leads to other situations which may include delayed milk production (reduced stimulation), sore nipples, sore breasts (lumps) and so on. If Mothers are educated on best practice principles for breastfeeding (sources are many), it can save many a heartache and give the future generations a better start. Breastfeeding, like midwifery and nursing is both a science and an art. It is so rewarding to be able to give assistance to a mother who wants to feed, and hear the long term success stories. I wish you all the best with your studies. You're in a noble profession. Kind regards, Angela Rayner -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gail McKenzie Sent: Wednesday, 9 August 2006 12:26 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Breastfeeding To all you magnificent home birth warrior women out there, could you please tell me if any of your birthing women have problems with breastfeeding. I'm a middy student working on a ward at the present & I'm astounded by how many women have problems with breastfeeding. If your women do not, please enlighten me as to why you think this is. If they do, again, what do you put this down to? -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
