Breastfeeding Mothers Testimonials

Our Mothers are Amazing and Our Babies are Awesome!  

Our mothers are amazing. They are passionate. They are human. We have learned more from them than we can begin to say. Thank you to all of you who have inspired us, trusted us and given us hope that we are making a difference.

Some of our mothers have not been as fortunate as others and were never able to fully breastfeed their babies. We cried with them as they realized the bitter truth.

Most of our mothers enjoy a joyous breastfeeding dance with their babies, but not without tears of frustration and disappointment in the beginning. 

Are you having problems with breastfeeding? Are you experiencing pain, discouragement or sadness? Are you thinking about giving up breastfeeding. Please call us first. We can help you through your pain and problems.

Warmly,

Debbie, Dianna and Jane

Also check out some of our 2007 & 2008 testimonials. 

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Motherhood is amazing, but I thought breastfeeding would be easier.

Nursing for me was such an issue and I was about ready to give up. My husband and I met with Debbie and she eased all my worries. Her office was pleasant and very inviting. She was sweet and sensitive to all the problems I was having and walked me through resolutions. We went through techniques, positions, bottle options and timing. She assured me that all women go through what I was feeling and experiencing and that with just a little help, I could enjoy nursing. I walked away from our visit feeling more confident in my ability to nurse and a few helpful tips as well.

Debbie has also kept up an email corespondence with me to help me with any other problems I have run into along the road. I would recommend her to any first time mother who plans on nursing. Thanks Debbie.

I don't know how I would have made it through those first few weeks

without her help.

August 2010

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Hey Debbie!

Nursing is going very well, I could not have done it without you! The third tongue-tie division really helped us turn the corner and we have been enjoying nursing every since. I love every minute of nursing now. He is still a snacker, which I knew he would be, he rarely nurses both breasts at one feeding - but he never spits up, so I am not complaining. My milk supply has remained more than adequate and I find I really only need to pump once/day to have enough milk for him at day care and still maintain a good supply. I have recently figured this out, so if I find my supply dropping I will go back to 2 pumping sessions during the day. 

He had his 2 front bottom teeth break through within the last 5 days. Nursing has been slightly less comfortable with the teething, but his tongue is out over his bottom teeth when nursing and he has not bit me yet. He still prefers the breast over the bottle, which is wonderful! 

I am so grateful to have found you to help me through some of the most difficult days of my life! You are an amazing lactation consultant and I will always feel indebted to you. Sabin and I were able to overcome so many challenges thanks to you. I also thank Sabin because he really hung in there while I got things figured out for us!

How are things going at the New Born Baby? I love your blogs! I hope you are doing well and that business is good. I am so passionate about breastfeeding and was so glad to have come across someone who truly helped me succeed.

You have actually made me more passionate about breastfeeding than I was before, which I love! 

R & S June 2010

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We first came to the Newborn Baby when my daughter was one week old. She was not gaining enough weight and the doctor wanted to nip it in the bud right away. I'm glad he recommended Debbie Page at The Newborn Baby. She provided insight and new techniques for us but most importantly she provided encouragement - which was so crucial during that emotionally stressful time. Her help gave us what we needed to keep going. Three months later, my daughter has gained significant weight - and we are still breastfeeding.  

S & A June 2010

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Before our son, Ethan, was born, I was determined to breastfeed, exclusively, for at least 1 year. I went through all the information I could get my hands on. I took as many classes as the hospital offered including the breastfeeding class. Read more...

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Sometimes you just have to give damaged nipples a chance to heal!

I had a ton of problems with just my left side and we couldn't figure out the issue. I was ready to give up and then I ended up with shingles. The doctor wanted me to have limited contact with him so I pumped for a week. After that I was all set and we have been nursing fine ever since. What a hidden blessing to get shingles!

MJ 2009

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I always thought that I would nurse after having my baby and did not consider that there would be any obstacles to doing so. When I had my daughter, Zoe, she would not nurse in the hospital.  She had trouble latching on and when she did, she just fell asleep.  She did not have any interest in eating, even when trying to feed her through a syringe or glove. Read the whole story.

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September 25, 2009 

I am a breastfeeding mother. 

For the first eight weeks of my son's life I couldn't make that statement.  Now, having a happily fed almost 16-week-old gives me a great sense of pride that, indeed, I am a breastfeeding mom. 

My journey to this success was longer than I expected and infinitely more challenging.  Aren't babies supposed to just know what to do?  Isn't breastfeeding the process everyone calls "the most natural thing"?  Despite taking a hospital breastfeeding class, I had no idea what obstacles my baby and I might be in for.   

The Journey Begins: Hospital Read the whole story...

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Dear Debbie- 

This note to you is long overdue, but I wanted to take some time to thank you for your support, encouragement, and friendship. Picking up your card at the breastfeeding class at the hospital was one of the best things I have done as a new parent! I hope that you will share my story with your clients to let them know that there is hope--even if they have gotten off to a rocky start!  Read more...

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Thanks. Oh my goodness Debbie. it is like day and night with Kevin compared to Claire. He is doing fantastic. He is a happy outgoing baby who is a good day and night sleeper. He's eating only 5-10 minutes usually only one side. Then he's all set for three hours!! He's still gaining. At his two month check up he was 14.8 lbs and now he's three months and I'm sure he's around 16. He is just wonderful and ALL of the family has adjusted and FORGOTTEN what it was like before Kevin, but really Kevin is no troubles! Thanks for asking!!

I really owe a lot to you and all the help you have given me with Claire and Kevin. I actually find myself giving other people suggestions (whether its' out loud or just a thought) for nursing problems...I feel like I've got a good idea about what sounds, etc. mean!

Kevin doesn't click anymore!! Wahoooo! Let down can still be a lot for him if I'm full but I've developed ways to help him cope with that. He does his best eating when i'm laying down but he does nurse with me sitting up too, which is why Im ordering that nursing cover, only because he tends to come off and go on during the let down (sometimes) so if I had that I wouldtn' hesitate to nurse in public :)

Again, Thanks for all your help. I know you are very busy!!! Keep up the good work! You rock!

Take care,

Janielle 2009

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When Gregory was born, the last thing on my mind was the breastfeeding; there was so much other stuff to worry about.  I had decided at the beginning of my pregnancy that I would nurse him, but I just assumed that this would very naturally fall into place.  Just days after he was born, there was already a concern about him not gaining enough weight.  That dreaded weight loss that occurs during the first week of being home from the hospital really threw us for a loop.  We kept trying and trying to breastfeed (I would feed him for an hour 10-12 times per day) and 2 weeks later I had a very deep crack in my nipple.  I cannot even explain the pain associated with the crack   I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to continue like this; how could I breastfeed him when the thought of him latching on brought tears to my eyes. This is when we called Debbie at the New Born Baby to come do a home lactation consult with us.

From the moment I met Debbie, I felt better.  She is so calm and patient, which helped me to be more calm and patient.  More than anything reassurance was key.  Debbie kept emphasizing that we would get over this hump and that at some point Gregory would be a great breastfeeder.  We were committed to breastfeeding- and with Debbie's help we are still at it 6 months later.  In fact, Gregory and I are both pros at it now- and I can hardly remember all those stressful times anymore.  I am so glad that we decided to stick with it!! I could see how it would have been easy to give up, but quite honestly I feel Debbie could have gotten us through anything.  I have recommended her to many of my friends who have had similar issues.  I would have paid any amount to get the reassurance and support that I did.  We are so thankful for her help!

L& G 2009

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I would like to start out by saying I owe Debbie a great deal of thanks and appreciation for giving me the confidence and guidance to achieve my breastfeeding goals! Hi, my name is Meghan and I have worked in childcare for over 10 years.  During this time I have taught children ages 6 weeks to 16 years, with and without special needs.  With all this experience I was super confident that I was ready for anything motherhood had to throw at me!  Famous last words!  

I knew from the start of my pregnancy I wanted to breast feed my child.  When my son, Aiden arrived he latched on 15 minutes after he was born and I thought, "We did it, job done!"  How wrong I was.  After his initial attempt we both ran into a host of difficulties.  Aiden was born in only four hours so he had a stomach full of mucus and wasn't really interested in eating and I was told that I had flat nipples.  Even though a lactation consultant helped us at the hospital I was unsure of my abilities to keep it up when we got home.  I was basically sent home with a nipple shield and a good luck pat on the back.  Needless to say we ran into immediate problems and during his third day of life I sent my husband to the store for formula.  I felt like a failure that I could not provide nourishment for my child and had to resort to formula feeding so he wasn't crying in hunger. 

As my anxiety rose and our problems were mounting I realized that breastfeeding was the only aspect of 'childcare' I had NO experience with.  This went on for weeks, with my anxieties and worry on the rise.  I was diligent in breastfeeding him with the nipple shield at every feeding but, was having to supplement after every feeding.  Soon one ounce turned into three and sometimes four and I realized I was on a very slippery slope.  At five weeks old I knew I had to make a decision for my son and I, weather to drop breastfeeding altogether, and give up this dream I have had, or seek out help and turn this all around. 

I was looking in a book a friend of my had given me and Debbie's card fell out into my lap.  I knew it was a sign!  I immediately sent her an e-mail that night and the next morning she had responded.  We spoke on the phone and she had an opening that very day.  My husband and I loaded Aiden up a drove almost an hour to see Debbie at the New Born Baby in Sterling.  When we arrived and I met Debbie for the first time I knew she would be able to help us.  Just being in her presence made me feel more at ease.  This was my answer.  Debbie listened patiently as I rambled on and on about my ups and downs with attempting to breast feed for the last 5 weeks and she never batted an eye.  Once I was done explaining all my 'issues' she immediately had us get to work!  The thing that she explained which really made a huge difference was the fact that nothing I was doing was wrong!  That we were okay and with some guidance we could turn things around! 

Debbie worked with Aiden and I for 2 hours at that first visit,  and gave us what I lovingly refer to as my 'cheat sheet' for the week ahead.  This outlined in detail what I could aim to accomplish in the week ahead, but with no pressure to perform.  With new found hope and confidence in myself and my abilities as a mother, we returned home. 

After one week of diligence on my part, the guidance of Debbie, and the 'cheat sheet', I am happy to report Aiden and I accomplished all our goals for that week and surpassed many others.  By the end of the first week we no longer need the nipple shield and Aiden would latch on to my breast with no problems.  We used Debbie's idea about supplementing first then putting him to the breast to finish the feeding and it worked wonders!  It, like most things I have found on this journey of motherhood, was a lot trial and error and a little bit of luck.  We found the perfect balance of supplementation and breast milk to satisfy my son.  I felt like a whole mother again.  I can feed my son, that was the best feeling in the world! 

One week had passed and Aiden and I again made the long drive out to see Debbie with the good news.  She was so happy for us, which made me feel that much better about my accomplishments.  Again, with calm patience and guiding words, Debbie watched what we had achieved, and tweaked the kinks a bit.  She let us know what to aim for in the coming days, and armed with my cheat sheet I was off for another week of breastfeeding redemption!  In the week that followed Aiden and I started to slowly decrease the amount of supplementation of formula and increase the time at the breast.  Again with trial and error and a lot of luck this time, we slowly emerged with a feeding schedule.  This persisted for a few days and as my milk supply came up we needed to supplement less and less formula.  By the end of week 2 Aiden went from having up to 24 oz. of formula a day before seeking out Debbie's help,  to receiving just 6 to 8 oz. a day! 

My last session with Debbie was like meeting with and old friend.   We talked about how far we've come as a mother and son team!  How together with her help and our persistence we had achieved what for the longest time seemed like an unattainable goal.  Since my last meeting with Debbie things are going great and seem to improve daily!  Aiden is gaining weight right on track and we are down to just 2 ounces of formula a day.

I also had the joy of attending the mothers group that Debbie is a part of and it was so wonderful.   To be in a room of other breastfeeding mothers who were having some of the same issues was so validating.  I learned at that meeting something so valuable,  breastfeeding is not all cupcakes and teddy bears!  It's hard work and everyone runs into some troubles now and again.!  Breastfeeding is so natural but not naturally easy, you have to work at it.  Like riding a bike; once you know how it becomes second nature, but it's not without the occasional skinned knee.  I would absolutely recommend seeking out a lactation consultation as soon as you feel there might be a problem. 

Debbie has had such a profound impact on my experience with breastfeeding my son.  I will recommend her services to anyone who asks and will always be thankful to her for this gift she has given me. 

M & A April 2009

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Hi Madeline,
I do not know if you remember me but you consulted with me and my son back in October.  Breastfeeding was not easy for me.  I had difficultly with my baby latching, he then had jaundice, he was tongue tied, which was clipped, and he continued to struggle with latching without biting which was just so painful. 

After a couple of visits with you and Debbie I was still trying to nurse with a shield at least once a day but it was very painful and frustrating for both of us.  Some days I was in tears. I made a commitment to myself that I would pump until he was 8 weeks old. Pumping exclusively was challenging and a lot of work. I pumped around the clock even waking 1-2 times a night to keep up.  I was frustrated with the process although continued to pump after feeling a bit hopeless that Nicholas would never latch properly.

I am happy to report to you today, 5 months later I am able to nurse my son.  It was really wild how it happened.  Just after my baby turned 2 months old I caught him rooting on my husband when he had his shirt off.  I saw this as an opportunity and went with it... I lifted my shirt and offered him my breast.  He took it, without a shield, he just latched on and we ran with it.  I continued to nurse 1-2 times a day and pump.  He is now 5 months and 12 days old and I am back at work 22.5 hrs a week.  I feel bad that I did not share, what I consider a success with you sooner. 

The advice that you gave me that I found most helpful was to set short goals and keep my milk supply up. I really feel that your advice and my story could help others keep going when they are frustrated so please feel free to share it. 

It was easy to continue to pump and nurse when I was reinforced by him latching on.  He enjoys nursing, it is soothing to him, and its wonderful to have that experience with him especially on days that I have to work.  

To date I do not see an end to nursing him in the immediate future.  We have system and it is working.

Thank you for your help.  I really appreciate all you time, calls, and emails.  I am only sorry that it has taken me so long to write this to you.

Sincerely,
HD      

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The help my daughter and I received from the Newborn Baby Lacation Consultants has been priceless in allowing us to continue to breastfeed. Not only did I learn that the problems we were experiencing were not because of anything I was doing wrong, but I also learned that the problem (a posterior tongue tie in my infant daughter), if left  untreated, might have led to other difficulties for her later on. We opted to have her tongue tie treated and as a result, saw immediate and significant changes.

My daughter is both bottle fed and breastfed, and prior to the tongue tie procedure, she struggled with obtaining and maintaining an efficient latch during BOTH breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Now, instead of having to repeatedly re-latch during every feeding session, my daughter is able to latch on indepedently and stay latched until she is done feeding. Her feedings with bottles are also improved, going from taking more than 40 min to finish a 4oz bottle to being able to finish it in less than 15min!

These improvements have made for all feeding experiences to be more enjoyable for everyone. Overall, Deb's gift to us was to allow us to enjoy our time together in the early months, enhancing our bond. Though I was never able to completely stop supplementing, I did realize my goal of providing my daughter with breastmilk for as long as possible!  Thanks to Deb Page and her colleagues, and to Dr. Corrylos in Long Island, for helping us through a very tough time! 

AD Jan 2009

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• Hi There!   I have thought of emailing often but seem to always get side tracked when I start to compose the email. I wanted to thank you so very much for your help before I had Jacob. I knew I wanted to breastfeed but was so unsure if I actually would be able to do it. I was afraid of the pain, and you assured me that if done correctly it does not hurt. This did put my mind at ease, and might I add so very true! I am not sure if you remember but Jacob was my 3rd baby but first breastfed. I didn't even attempt it with my first, something I later regretted. With my second I wanted to, but only managed to pump for him. This was cut short too just due to life in general. I had a 16 month old and an infant and just not the time to pump.

This time I decided right from the start I wanted to BF and make it to 1 month, then 2 months, then 4 months. Now I am approaching 6 months and we are doing so wonderful. I do not think I would have done it if I hadn't met with you before giving birth, so thank you. My husband jokes that I am now a poster child for bf'ing which is so opposite of my thought process with my first!

I wish I could tell the world how positive, wonderful, easy and empowering nursing is...but I can't so I will tell you!   

Thank you again so very much and please let me know if you ever need a guest speaker. I would love to share my long journey from FF to BF :-) Take Care. I included a picture of my little nursling, Jacob Timothy.  

Fondly,

Amie

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Debbie,

• I just wanted to thank you so much for all your help. Julianna and I had problems breastfeeding at first. I knew it was going to be hard, so I contacted you before I gave birth, and I am so glad I did.

I didn't realize how difficult it would be. She would not latch on, and my nipples were sore from the start. But Debbie came to my house and showed me different positions, and ways to help the nipples heal. I was able to visit two more times with Debbie, and she helped me more and more each time, helping me feel confident in what I was doing and the choice I had made to continue to breastfeed.

I am in Debbie's support group on Tuesdays, and Julianna is feeding regularly on the breast. I still have some problems, like keeping my milk supply up, but going to the support group keeps giving me confidence that I can do this.

Julianna is a wonderful drinker, thanks to Debbie and her support groups I know we can continue this wonderful bonding experience.

K & J Fitchburg, MA