Lisa's Story: A five year reflection on breastfeeding and family
My son turns 5 this month and as I reflect on all the memories of his first years of life, my time at the Breastfeeding Center is a part of our parenting success.
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I was pregnant with my first baby - a son. I knew I wanted to breastfeed so I heeded the advice of all my local mom friends and enrolled for the breastfeeding class. I had my partner’s support and friends to cheer me on. As much as I could, I was prepared.
David was born with much excitement on a cold Monday morning in January. It was a whirlwind of a day to say the least. Between check ups for me and baby, and figuring out breastfeeding, as well as getting settled in our recovery room and figuring out the meal system, the day sped by. The lactation consultants, as well as all the nurses, were helpful - and all came with their own tidbits of advice - “Don’t become his pacifier”, “Nurse as often as you can”, We set alarms overnight to ensure he ate every 2 - 3 hours. I’d ease out of bed to go to the bathroom while my husband woke up the baby and changed his diaper to ensure he was wide awake and ready to feed. The time truly flew when we were in the hospital. David appeared to have a good latch and we were sent home after the standard two nights. My mom met us at our apartment and we settled in for our first night home together. And that’s when the tears for all of us began! I have a distinct memory of walking around our apartment topless at 1:30 am sobbing because David would not calm down and would not latch. I was so tired! My mom swooped in, took him to another room to calm him and gave my husband instructions to calm me down. Why was he suddenly screaming in my face and wouldn’t latch? I later found out that night 2 or 3 is often the roughest, as the baby is fully awake and fully hungry - so it had nothing to do with him or me but it terribly coincided with our first night at home.
We showed up at his first pediatrician appointment the next day and the doctor was concerned he had lost weight and he was tested for jaundice. Not satisfied with the results, she made a follow up appointment for two days. I cried at the doctor appointment - wanting so badly to be able to breastfeed but also could not handle the stress of David not gaining in the manner the doctor wanted. That day, I booked the next available consultation at the Breastfeeding Center. I was so glad I was familiar with the location and the office from my breastfeeding class..
My mom accompanied me to my appointment, as my husband was back to work. I was so grateful to have the extra hands to navigate parking, the new stroller, and the humongous diaper bag only a first-time mom can pack! I recommend bringing someone with you to help you remember all the questions you have and all the things that the Lactation Consultant will share (and they will also send written notes post visit as they are well aware, new tired parents have little memory retention available). By the time of our appointment, David and I were in a better groove. I had considered cancelling but I am so glad we went. Maureen instantly diagnosed his tongue and lip tie. She couldn’t believe we had been as successful as we had been knowing his movement was so restricted. She shared names of doctors to revise his ties and gave me reassurance around the amount of his spit up, different positions so I could rest more, and in general, she was the warm hug I needed on that cold morning.
David and I continued our breastfeeding journey, attending the newborn (0-4 months) and the return to work classes, both so helpful in providing the necessary information to keep breastfeeding him. I fed him for a total of 14 months and I know it was from the first visit with Maureen that I was able to sustain for so long.
I’ve since had two more kids and moved out of the area. I searched and searched for something like the Breastfeeding Center in my new state but nothing came up close. The support, the resources, the store are unbeatable - I even bragged about it to one of the Lactation Consultants at the hospital. As I wind down my breastfeeding journey with my third (and last) babe, I still think back to the first class I attended, eyes wide open and heart ready to tackle one of the greatest joys of my life.
Meet the lactation consultant: MAUREEN LOPINA, IBCLC (SHE/HER/HERS)
Maureen enjoys working with babies of all ages and has warm client relationships. She never forgets a face or name, even when her families come back with toddlers! Maureen has been serving families for over 30 years, including 13 years as a childbirth educator and 25 years as a La Leche League Leader. She became an IBCLC in 2002. She has trained staff from hospitals in DC and Virginia in becoming “Baby Friendly,” and advocated for breastfeeding at the local, state, and national level, but Maureen is most passionate about supporting new parents as they grow their families. A mother to 3 breastfed children, it is a joy and an honor for her to support families at this special time in their lives