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!
My story, like so many others, started with a newborn who wouldn't latch on. After an emergency c-section, an unexpected allergy to morphine, and a baby with low blood sugar, it took a while for Madeline and me to get acquainted and attempt breastfeeding. From the very first time we tried, we had issues. We were visited by a lactation consultant in the hospital who kept trying to "force" the baby to suck, but the only result was a (very!) upset mom and baby. We resorted to finger feeding her formula through a syringe. On and on it went like this until we were sent home from the hospital, armed with a breast pump and instructions to keep trying, but to supplement with formula to ensure adequate weight gain for Madeline.
At home, it went from bad to worse---Madeline did not seem to want to latch on, and became extremely upset each time we attempted breastfeeding. I absolutely dreaded feeding time, because I knew it would result in Madeline and I in tears. My poor husband didn't know what to do, but he was extremely supportive, and after a day or two, suggested that I call a lactation consultant to get some help. I remembered that I had grabbed Debbie's card at the class at the hospital, and I immediately called and left her a message.
From my very first phone call with Debbie, I knew that she would be able to help us. She was so kind, supportive and genuinely interested in helping us that I began to cry! Her soothing nature and can-do approach to breastfeeding was such a relief. We set up an appointment for the next day, and she gave me specific instructions to follow until that appointment---so helpful for new parents who had no idea what they were doing!
When we arrived at Debbie's the next day, I felt immediately at ease. Her office was warm, comfortable and calming, and Debbie herself has such a way with people that we all felt relaxed and ready to learn how to solve our breastfeeding problems. My husband commented later that he knew our experience would be different with Debbie than that of other LC's we had seen; because she took the time to really understand us and our particular situation. She suggested that we lay Madeline on my chest and give her the time to naturally find the breast. I think my husband and I were both a bit skeptical of this tactic--(up until this point we had only experienced people forcing Madeline on me)--but we agreed to try and it absolutely worked. Madeline's rooting reflex kicked in and she found her way to what she wanted and was able to latch on her own! My husband has since told many parents we know that it was the most amazing thing he has ever seen, and I would have to agree. It was the first true bonding experience I had felt, and I was so grateful.
Armed with the pleasure of a successful nursing session, as well as instructions on how to accomplish it at home, and what to do if problems arise, we left feeling as though a weight had been lifted. As we went to subsequent sessions with Debbie (as well as ad-hoc panicked phone calls where she ALWAYS got back to me!), we noticed that we had fewer and fewer issues to discuss---Madeline and I were on the right track to a successful breastfeeding relationship!
I began attending the mother's group at the Newborn Baby Bistro when Madeline was about three weeks old, and met some wonderful moms and babies who have become dear friends. Debbie, Dianna, and all of the moms offered me the encouragement and support I needed to endure through issues and problems that might have prevented me from reaching my breastfeeding goals.
When I was pregnant, it was my goal to breastfeed for three months (while I was on maternity leave). I had no intention of trying to make time in my day to pump at work-I just didn't see how it could be possible, nor did I think it would be important enough to me to put forth the effort. When Madeline was born and we had so many breastfeeding issues, I began to think that perhaps I wouldn't even be able to make it three months! With Debbie's help, I was able to realize how important breastfeeding is to me and set a longer term goal that was attainable. Thanks to her, I set my goal at 6 months, and now, with Madeline's 9 month birthday coming up next week, I am proud to say we are still going strong!
From the entire Taylor family, thank you so much Debbie--words cannot truly express our gratitude, but hopefully our story has helped show you the impact you have had on our lives!
Love,
Katie, Bill and Madeline Taylor