So the breastfeeding saga continues...I have been playing phone tag with The Birth Center since Friday. I call and leave a message for the midwife to call me back, she calls me back when I can't get to the phone (i.e. I'm feeding the baby), I call and leave another message for her to call me back again, you get the idea. Well, she finally called back and I was able to answer. I wish I had just let it go to voice mail again.
I told her I was calling about my test results and that I understood that the results were in the normal ranges but wasn't it possible that there still could be a problem since I was not producing any milk. She said that the normal ranges indicated that there was not a problem so there was no need for further testing in regards to the test results. I asked her why I wasn't producing any milk then and she told me that some people just don't produce milk. That is interesting coming from them since they are such huge advocates for breastfeeding and while sitting in their 2.5 hour breastfeeding class their lactation consultant told the class not to let anyone tell us we could not breastfeed our babies. So why are they not willing to help me, go the extra mile, whatever? She told me that I should call Dr. Soble (the doctor my lactation consultant recommended to me).
I told her that I did not feel like I was getting any support from them and that I was really disappointed about that. I think that tomorrow I will call the other doctor and then I will see what she has to say. After that I will write a letter to The Birth Center and tell them how I feel about things. I am so disappointed because they have been so wonderful to me up until now.
It is fine if I cannot produce milk, I understand and accept that. However, I have a problem with them leading everyone on by telling them we can all feed our babies. They need to spend the first hour of their class telling people the difficulties with breastfeeding (which they do not cover in the class at all) rather than discussing the global politics of breastfeeding.
Ok, my rant is over. I'll keep you posted.
Member comments
You go girl!
I'm sorry you're still having problems, and I do genuinely hope that you're able to get the issue figured out. As others have said, there's nothing wrong with a formula fed baby, so if that's how you end up going you should feel good that you've exhausted all of your other possibilities.
Having said that, I fully resent the propaganda that's out there these days about breastfeeding. They make it sound as though everyone can do this, and if you can't, then you're not trying hard enough. You're the poster child for trying hard enough, and they're not supporting you! That's just wrong, and I think you should absolutely tell them how you feel.
Let us know how it goes.
I couldn't agree more. You can't say "don't let anyone tell you that you can't breastfeed" and then tell you some people do not produce milk. While yes that may be true but they should tell you that in the class and prepare you for that situation.
I am really really angry that they aren't given you more support. You are a new mother is functioning on limited sleep. The last thing that you need is to be frustrated with unsupportive people.
That being said, I am sure that Lorelai will be a very healthy little girl with or without breast milk. Until my kids come over and expose her to junk food (well controlled junk food)
Oh my goodness! I can't believe everything you are going though. Calling all these people, and them not calling you back! I am glad that you told them that you feel like you aren't getting any support from them, because it definitely seems that way!
You are really an inspiration, though. You are fighting to get your answers so that you can feed your child, and I really respect that! I hope that you get somewhere with these people!
Rhonda
(Sammy's mom)
It has pretty much been said by the other Moms but yes it stinks! I feel so badly that they are being so pathetic like this...what a shame when they are the ones pushing for it. Watch, just like many things in life just when you abandon something that was not working and try something else...BOOM, it starts working. Hey you never know, maybe it will work itself out in time. But for now just know how much we all respect you and your dedication and rejoice in how happy and healthy Lorelai is! You just never know what may happen, I had a very tough time to start and then the first time I pumped I got almost 5 ounces!!!!!! I would definitely write them a letter, it may just help another Mom down the road. I will be thinking about you!
Oh how frustrating! It's so wrong of them to be so aggressive in their search for a solution and then to just abandon you the instant the test results come in!
Have you talked to your doctor about taking Reglan or Domperidon? Both are supposed to help you produce more milk. Reglan is available by prescription in the States. Dom is no longer sold here, but I know of a lot of girls who have purchased it online from sellers in Canada. I often regret not having tried Reglan when I was producing so little with my first daughter.
I went back to my lactation center an complained about the service after I weaned myself from the pump. It didn't do any real good, but it made me feel much, much better.
Good luck with the doctors tomorrow!
Jessica
http://www.roseslife.blogspot.com