Temitope's Story: Breastfeeding her Rainbow baby

For my husband and I, our journey to parenthood didn't begin easy. The preparation started seven years ago with several miscarriages. When we found out we were expecting during the pandemic we were elated. We took all the precautions to ensure the baby and I remained healthy. I knew I wanted to breastfeed since it was recommended as the best nutritional source. When I delivered our daughter Noah she latched on immediately. However, we were instructed by the hospital to supplement with formula due to her low blood sugar levels.

In hindsight, I wished I ask the hospital staff more questions on how long I needed to supplement with formula, but as a new parent the information or lack thereof was overwhelming. At three weeks, Noah suddenly stopped wanting to nurse and would only take a bottle. I was confused and afraid. My pumping schedule was wearing me down and I missed the bonding nursing provided for my daughter and I. My confusion led me to google search Noah's rejection of nursing. That's when I learned about nipple confusion and breast rejection. Something I never heard talked about before.

I read about seeking assistance from a lactation consultant. In the beginning I thought it was taboo and I should just give up, but I decided that I wanted to really restore my bonding with Noah and provide her milk from me only. I randomly stumbled on The Breastfeeding Center DC. The amount of information intrigued me to setup an appointment, which was covered by my insurance.

My first appointment was with Tina virtually when Noah was six weeks. She watched Noah balk towards nursing but reassured me through persistence things would turn around. Our next appointment was at my home and Tina provided more supplies such as a feeding tube through a syringe as a nursing supplement and suggested I cut back on the bottles. Noah did well while Tina was in our presence.

However, it wasn’t as easy when I tried it alone. Some days Noah would be on board other days she would only want the bottle. It took weeks for Noah to grasp on to the concept, but she eventually became comfortable with the new system. Tina also suggested increasing skin to skin time with Noah. I remember as clear as day during one of our skin to skin sessions, Noah (about nine weeks old) on her own just latched on to my breast. I was so excited and couldn't wait to inform Tina about our success.

Noah is currently four months old and is nursing 100 percent. My husband and I are so happy we found the Breastfeeding Center of DC. We still receive support by attending our Monday group sessions for Moms of Color and participate in the various classes the organization provides to support families and their babies growing needs. The support has been such a blessing. We will forever be advocates of breastfeeding!

Meet the Lactation Consultant: TINA PANGELINAN, IBCLC (SHE/HER/HERS)

You should have the support you need in an area that is resplendent with perinatal support folk. Coming from the Northern California Bay Area was an extraordinary place to begin my childbirth experience and education. Practicing for 10 years with an extraordinary group of midwives in DC was an integral part of my lactation education and ability to support families. I believe my strength is in providing care in the earliest days of the newborn period.