That's where I've been all week, boobie school.
(btw, fleece hat winners are in post below)
The jobs I've always had have been good jobs that came along at the right time. Then one leads to the next and before you know it all of your experience is in a field that you never really set out to be in.
All that to say I think I've finally found something that I'm deciding to do because I like it...
I've decided to become a Lactation Consultant at the hospital where I delivered Sam. Breastfeeding is something that I've looked forward to my whole life, I know that may sound weird but I was just in love with the idea of this beautiful bonding experience and being able to provide my baby everything she needs to not just survive but thrive to her utmost potential.
Beautiful and mushy sounding, right?
Boy was I in for a surprise.
It was NOT, I repeat, NOT easy by any means. We had problem after problem after problem & the part that upsets me the most is that ALL of those problems (nipple confusion, reflux, low milk supply...) could have been fixed (most quite easily) if ONLY I HAD KNOWN MY OPTIONS. I ended up finding out so much by being my own researcher & kept thinking man, if only more women knew about this stuff I bet they wouldn't quit breastfeeding. The more I dug the more passionate I got. I spoke with a few different people that were working as LC's (lactation consultants) & also with the wonderfully amazing director of labor & delivery at my hospital and it just reaffirmed that this was a path I wanted to pursue.1st part of starting this new job? Go to boobie school. I'm sure the women in my class would be horrified to know I'm calling it that but it makes P & I snicker. It's a 4 day course, 8 hrs a day, and I started on Tuesday. Whew. I tell you what, when you've been staying home for a year and then you all of sudden pull a full day away it's pretty startling. I really feel for mom's who work! I've had such a tough time dealing with leaving before Sam is up (the class in in Baltimore, 1 hr away) and getting home just in time to eat, bathe her and kiss her goodnight. It's so physically & emotionally exhausting! Bless you guys, seriously!
Anyway, Boobie School for the rest of the week and then I'll start my on the job training hours, all 1,000 OF THEM! Yep, it's gonna take me at least a year & 1/2 and then I can take the certification exam and THEN I'll be officially a LC.
I'm SO excited and love sharing it with you guys but I want you to know that I won't get all breastfeeding preachy with you. I know that lots of women have very strong opinions about how to feed your baby & I certainly don't want to turn them off from the blog. I think it's important to inform moms but also to be respectful that it's their decision & a very personal one at that.
Also don't worry, the Samster Mommy projects will continue, I'm only going to be working 2 days a week and not even full ones at that so I won't forget about you, promise. (;
Wish me luck tomorrow, it's biochemistry & nutrition day, woohoo! (did I mention almost everyone in my class is already a RN or midwife? Yep. And I know how to make a beer commercial. Greaaaat.)
Good for you! That sounds like fun. I've had two really great experiences nursing my daughters (2nd one isn't quite weaned yet). My first was an absolute struggle, but we made it 14 months. You'll have fun working. I just started part-time back at my job and it's kind of nice...
ReplyDeleteI've been following you for a bit and really enjoy all your craft projects. I'm also due in a week and really want nursing to go well. I'm very curious as to the research to overcome the common issues you've mentioned and that other women have warned me could occur and be frustrating. I look forward to your installments on this subject. Congrats on discovering something you're passionate about :-))
ReplyDeleteAs a labor/delivery/post-partum nurse and breastfeeding mother you have all my support!!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I breastfed my daughter until she was 11 mos (she's 15 months now), and knew from the moment I found out I was pregnant that that was what I was going to do. It is BY FAR the hardest part of being a mom, though! I wish that there had been someone to tell me what breastfeeding was actually like, including all the honest-nitty-gritty details. I believe that women today are no where near educated enough about what a very real struggle, both physically and emotionally, breastfeeding is. I think if more women had a real understanding of breastfeeding and everything that comes with it, in all of its stages, I think less women would give up on it so easily! In other words, I commend you for your decision to do this, I love your blog, and I know you'll help so many women give their babies the best gift they possibly could!!
ReplyDeleteI always knew I would breast feed my babies too. I, like you, loved the bonding experience. Good luck with the new job.
ReplyDeleteWow, had no idea that so many hours go into becoming an LC, that's wonderful! I too had always planned to breastfeed, but seriously had no idea how challenging it would end up being!! I kept thinking "this is supposed to be natural!! Why won't my baby latch, stay awake, etc." We soldiered on and made it 13 months, but the first few weeks were full of tears and concern. Having support from my husband and others really helped. With my 2nd daughter (who's two months), she was a nursing champ from the beginning, and I know I was way more confident. Good luck with the rest of "boobie school" and I look forward to hearing about your successes in helping others!
ReplyDeleteI think it's so awesome of you to do this! I absolutely loved my LC at our hospital. Without her, I would have been a little lost and confused. But she got me through that very first day and gave me tons of advice. I will never forget her:) You will be great at that job!!
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful, you will find that even though you mis Sam you will feel so much better. Besides if it something that you really enjoy, you can do it full-time once Sam gets into school.
ReplyDeleteIf you need a daycare I have the best one in Potomac, the lady is great and all the kids are super happy (let me know if you are interested and I will get you her contact info, I trust her more then my own mother-in-law).
BTW, I saw you and the family out the other night at the Diner, I didn't say hi because I didnt want you to think I was stalking you!
I am sure that you will do a wonderful job as a LC and I will never forget the LC that I had when I had Kristian because she was not so good, I had to figure it out on my own. :(
How exciting for you! I also always knew that BF was the only way for me.
ReplyDeleteOnce we got past the whole "gaining weight, not gaining" thing Phoenix and I had a great BF relationship. Right until he laughed at me when I tried to give him my breast when he was 8 months and then crawled off my lap. Saddest day of my life.
Congratulations on the new job. One day you can consult me! :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is wonderful. I had never planned to breastfeed, but my husband was very for it. So, after much discussion, I decided to try it. The thing about me is, once I decide to do something it becomes a part of me. And so, it was horribly disappointing to end up causing my son to have jaundice because I was actually not getting any food to him in his first days. He had to go to Peds for a day and half before he came home and he was sooooo yellow and he didn't have his first BM for 4 days...Anyway, the point being, I received NO help from the LC or the nurses. The LC was in my room for less than 5 minutes and the only thing I got from her was how to hold the baby better (I'm large chested, so I couldn't cradle him). I never saw her again and every time I asked the nurses if I was doing it right, they just kept saying "oh, you'll know. he'll tell you". After 4 days, FOUR DAYS, they finally said well his jaundice may be caused by the fact he hasn't been getting any nourishment and that's why he hasn't had a BM. "Can we give him formula?" It took them 4 days (during which I constantly was asking for help with breastfeeding) to finally realize, duh, he isn't being feed because she doesn't know how to do it. Anyway, the point being we are currently trying to get pregnant and the topic has been brought up. At this point, I am just too petrified to try again. My son was sick because of me and I don't know if I can go through that again. If someone who was passionate and nonjudgmental had been my LC, I may have had different results. Now, I won't know and I'm too scared to try again. What you are doing (or will be doing) is an important thing and I hope those you help ensure you are appreciated for your efforts. Sorry this is so long!
ReplyDeleteSound awesome! Love your blog, I am completely hooked by the way! Your very inspiring. My daughter is 14 months and I have a 4 year old, so I cant get as much as you done but I sure am trying!! Keep it up!!
ReplyDeleteAngela, that is so sad that you had that experience. Truly sad because you walked away thinking it was partly your fault. I promise it wasn't! I just read your comment to my classmates who are mostly RN's & midwives and they all agreed that those staffmembers handled your situation HORRIBLY. Not only should they have helped you sooner but they would've treated the jaundice differently as well.
ReplyDeleteBreastfeeding is SO vital for newborns, especially sick ones. They need those antibodies but unfortunetely staff are often too lazy (or probably moreso overworked) to take the time to teach you to breastfeed. It's a lot easier to stick a bottle in their mouth!
The ladies here had 3 tips for you for the next one:
1- Use a doctor who has a midwife on staff or seek at your own. They'll be you and your baby's advocate and it's DEFINITELY something I'm going to do with our next one
2- Pick up La Leche's "The womanly art of breastfeeding" It'll help you be well prepared.
3- If you can afford it hire a private practice lactation consultant to meet with you before having the baby. Then she'll also come to the hospital after you deliver and really spend some time helping you.
My tip too, my favorite website for self learning is www.kellymom.com I found out about it from a friend when Sam & I were having feeding issues and it is an endless supply of articles and tips!
Best to you, thanks for your sweet words. Your situation is exactly why I want to do this!
That is wonderful! Breastfeeding was also very important to me and I wished we had a lactation contultant where I live - best of luck with the class!
ReplyDeleteI love that you call it "boobie school." My husband and I refer to my milk as "boob milk" ... we're going to have to become more PC when my daughter starts talking!
ReplyDeleteBreastfeeding my daughter, now almost five months old has been a great experience but was very difficult at first and I would not have made it through without the help of a LC!
Your post today made me smile. Good for you for going back to work and finding something you like to do. I remember meeting a few times with our LC (love her!) after my daughter was born. I have a 14 month old and have been drawn to your blog because I can totally relate. I'm from Wisconsin and recently went back to work and enjoy the "adult time" that it brings, though it is hard to be away from the little one, it is so nice to have some adult conversations. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you'll make a great LC. I didn't have a great experience with the LC's at GBMC for my last little guy. I waited for 4 hours for one to come help me! And then, she gave my baby a shot of formula without even asking me if it was ok! Needless to say, I wasn't too happy. I exclusively breastfed my first child for 6 1/2 months until I was 4 month pregnant with my second child who is exclusively breastfed. (He's 3 months) It's going much better this time around but the first time was very hard! I had very low milk supply which is SO frustrating as you know.
ReplyDeleteAll that to say, I think it's awesome that you are choosing this route! Most woman definitely do not know enough about how hard it is the first 2 weeks (or more) and they give up trying. Not that I blame them because if I wouldn't have known there would be an end to the pain, I would have too!!! So good luck!! What hospital will you be working at?
Wow, that's brilliant! I breastfed all five of mine (still nursing the twins at 17 months), and mostly it went well. My youngest though was a MAJOR CHALLENGE to get nursing. It took three months to get him feeding properly, and despite being a pretty experienced mother there is no way I could have done it without the help of some lovely LCs and my midwife. It can make the difference between succeding and not for a woman who wants to nurse to have the help of a good LC. I take my hat off to you - this is such an important field.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great that you are going to be a LC, both for you and for your future clients/patients! I, too, found the LCs at the hospital very unhelpful (and I might add, kind of annoying!). I would have MUCH rather had someone like you helping out. We made it through the rough beginning, though, and I am still nursing my 14 month old. Our biggest challenge these days is my son wanting to nurse upside down!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome!! I quit breast feeding after a few weeks when my nipples were being RIPPED off. Everytime I talked to the LC's they told me to endure the pain and it would get better. It did not and when my milk had dried up, I found out about nipple shields and other ways to help. Talk about frusterating. I am happy that you are coming in with the help with the options attitude. I wish I had a lc that would be more open minded about a solution!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you :-)
I think this is so wonderful! I'm glad you are able to pursue this and it's great that you will be helping out others. I was lucky and had no problems breastfeeding, but it's not always easy. I think everyone needs support when they are just starting out breastfeeding a newborn.
ReplyDeleteHey Natasha! This is Ashley Brown (now Jones) from SPS. :) I read your blog all the time! I have a son about Sam's age and have enjoyed reading about Sam being in the same stage as my son, William! I really admire that you are getting trained to be lactation consultant. I breastfed William for a year and had such a positive experience. From this, I have learned how important and special breastfeeding is and I'm so glad when I find people who believe similarly.
ReplyDeleteI also admire that you are signing up for a program that is going to take that long to complete. I would love to be LC as well, but the thought of 1,000 OJT hours is very intimidating! Congrats on doing that. I enjoy working PT now that I have a baby. It breaks up my week is a good way. I hope you have a positive experience too.
I also sympathize and can relate to post partum depression and lonliness. My expereince wasn't identical to yours but enough that I really felt for you. I really wish more moms talked about that. While I would have a baby all over again in a heartbeat, it really did rock my world!
This is turning into be the longest comment ever, but I did want to tell you one more thing. I'm not sure if you knew this from my facebook, but I married Anthony Jones from Idlewild about 3 years ago! Funny how things work out huh? Hope you are doing well....
That is AWESOME. I am happy for you! I had a very hard time nursing my first baby. I already had HUUUUGE boobs and when my milk came in I was a G. I didn't even know that existed, but it does. My Lactation Lady was the best thing for us. I bet you will do great! Good Luck!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! My cousin is a lactation consultant and she absolutely loves her job. I have nursed all four of my kids and I have loved it. I always feel kind of sorry for the ladies who give up at the beginning because they think it is just too hard. I cherish the time I had nursing my kids. I'm sure you will be able to help lots of women. The first time around the whole breast feeding thing can be very daunting so it is so nice to have someone around who can answer your questions and give you lots of helpful advice.
ReplyDeleteI think that's great.
ReplyDeleteI just started following your blog like, today, I think. It's hard to keep track of time (I have an almost 3 month old).
Breast feeding is tough, and I think it's really important that women stick to it and understand how good it is for their babies. I think it's good for moms, too.
Plus that's good that you'll be able to work just two days a week at something that will make a difference and you feel very strongly about.
Natasha, I recently was shown your post and love it! I think that your experience in your other jobs can really be assets to your new one! Seriously! Imagine the similarities between how people feel about breastmilk and how people feel about their beer...You could be the marketing guru for the LC department.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and think that you have talent that should be highlighted on some daytime shows...Ellen, Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart, etc.
For the record, I also think that the pinata dress is cute. So what is Sam looks like a pinata? She is only young once and can pull off any look as a small child...at the very worst, you can refashion it for a Halloween costume next year.
I've been pursuing the idea of becoming a lactation consultant as my son gets older - especially now that my husband is laid off. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the course and just how thorough it is.
ReplyDelete~ Chrissi, Cyber School Mom
Hi, Natasha.
ReplyDeleteI've nursed all six of my kiddos, (still going strong with the youngest)and am also planning to head to Boobie School. Keep us up to date on your progress!