The "Breast" Advice

Two consultations, two counseling appointments, five lactation specialists and one nurse practitioner... and I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to do my own thing. It's working for me and Mason thus far with no adverse effects. Every medical professional has their own opinion, agenda, and advice and they are willing to hand it out unsolicited without fully knowing me, my baby, or my boobs. I'll spare you a picture to accompany this post (although I'd love to... I mean, I'm not going to have these babies forever...) but here are the rest of the gory details.

After leaving my second lactation appointment frustrated and concerned about head positioning, latching, volume of milk he's consuming, volume of milk I'm producing, herbal supplements, time between feedings, and some kind of condition that evidently makes my nipples turn purple for lack of circulation, I took a breath and considered the facts: Mason has gained an ounce a day since we've had him home and two ounces since yesterday, his jaundice has improved, he is eating and sleeping well, and I still have milk to feed him at each feeding.

Yes, I'm using a nipple shield. Yes, I'm pumping after letting Mason attempt to feed. He's so young that he hasn't quite gotten the hang of the "latch" and he tires out after just a few minutes of sucking. I can pump one side and feed him on the other, then give him a bottle to top off the meal. He doesn't have any "nipple confusion" and the bottom line is, it works for us. Mason's and my strategy may not fit the mold, but it fits us. He gets to eat, I don't have sore (or worse) nipples, and we're going to adjust as we need to.

I have a feeling that's going to be the key to this whole parenting thing. Taking advice as it's given, taking it into consideration, and taking from it what we will. Ultimately Tage and I have to learn to "roll with the punches" and be flexible. Here's to the beginning of week two!