Pinky McKay, One of Australia’s most recognised and respected breastfeeding experts and an Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant is frustrated by the ignorance of health professionals who are giving appalling advice that is failing breastfeeding women.
Check out some of these horrifying stories:
- A baby was ‘diagnosed’ with a ‘sleep onset disorder’ because baby falls asleep on the breast. Hormones in breastmilk induce sleep, so why wouldn’t a mother utilise this fantastic tool? And even if you give a bottle, warm milk and sucking help relaxation – it’s not a ‘disorder’!
- A newly birthed mother told by a midwife that because she had expressed colostrum antenatally she had ‘used it all up’ and now would have no milk to feed her baby: Expressing antenatally is an evidence-based practice commonly advised, especially for women with diabetes whose babies may need support for low blood sugar levels or if medical interventions mean the first breastfeed may be delayed due to early separation of mother and baby. This mother was confused and upset, thinking she now wouldn’t be able to breastfeed at all.
- A mother who was successfully breastfeeding, told to wean her baby by a health professional because her baby would be harmed by the antibiotics he had prescribed after a minor procedure: While a few medications are contra-indicated while breastfeeding, there is usually an effective alternative. If any medication is prescribed short-term that is unsafe passing through breastmilk, a mother could simply pump and dump that milk then continue breastfeeding when she stops the medication. This mother weaned her baby as advised and is now suffering regret and grief about an unnecessary decision.
- A mother whose baby had a low weight gain at one visit, was told by her child health nurse that her baby could have ‘Small Baby Syndrome’. The word ‘syndrome’ terrified the new mother. With appropriate support and strategies to increase her milk supply, the mother continued breast-feeding and baby thrived.
Almost daily, I am hearing from vulnerable women who are suffering anxiety, grief and guilt that they have failed their babies because they have stopped breastfeeding. These women are not failing at all – they are being failed by inappropriate advice.
By preparing for breastfeeding BEFORE you have your baby, you give yourself a much better chance of beating the ‘booby traps’ and getting through the early days more easily. McKay says, “breastfeeding is natural but it’s also a learned skill like riding a bike or driving a car and it can be challenging at first. Besides, you wouldn’t simply hop on a bike or get in a car and expect to cruise off without any instruction or preparation, would you?” And if you have any doubts or confusion about breastfeeding advice, please don’t hesitate to get another opinion.
For more support visit www.pinkymckay.com