back to breast: what NOT to do

so i am a firm believer in a strong support system when it comes to nursing. see, nowadays you may not have a mother that breastfed or a sister or grandmother. so you need ladies to help you with the basics (and a good lactation consultant too!)
for me, one of those support systems comes in the form of an internet group.
i asked them how they would recommend getting a baby back to breast.
to my surprise many women said "simply dont give the bottle...the baby wont starve itself...itll eat when its hungry."

while this may have worked for these women, and im grateful that it may have, its a dangerous experiment that i can not condone or recommend. a baby can get confused. it can get nervous or uncomfortable or just prefer something different...but it doesnt know its as easy as "oh...yeah...theres milk in this here breast." its about training them that its where it comes from, even if it means leaving a frustrating taste for the bottle by switcing to cup feeding or syringe feeding for a couple feeds. im excited to learn more in the coming years as i continue to study. but right now i have scheduled an appt with the lactation consultant at the Pedi office (and i get to see the pretty pediatrician :) and i will get her weighed, make sure she is doing well and get some hints to get her back.
my breasts miss her but ive been SO grateful for what ive been able to do.

more good news? i donated another 120 ounces to another mommy having trouble with her daughters bowel movements. had been constipated for 8 weeks with painful bowel movements while on formula. this woman was inspiring. she wanted SO badly to breastfeed despite problems with PCOS and a pituitary growth issue, that she nursed and pumped round the clock every hour for 8 weeks, took all the supplements one can take, and couldnt make enough for even a half a feed a day :( she tried so hard. but she turned to me! within 24 hours on my milk, baby had THREE movements. :) its a good feeling for SURE!

anyhow. ill update after my appt. dont lose hope my friends. if youre struggling, find another mom or 8 to help you through...but always make sure your baby is well fed, gaining weight with enough wet dipes and dirty ones too. and like i said, find a good LC. some problems can not be fixed by experienced mothers and need some special attentions!

much love and mothers milks,


Me.