A Random Post
I just completely my first day in my CLC training program down in White Plains, NY. This has been hosted by the The Breastfeeding Advocacy Network.
One little tidbit gleaned from my day (well...maybe two):
Did YOU know that there are closed-system non hospital-grade pumps on the market?? I didn't know - I've worked and had clinical at hospitals that exclusively used a certain brand of pumps. Now, they work well, and our hospital-grade pumps ARE closed-systems and safe for use for multiple users...
But they're charging $300 for their double electric pumps! Pumps that probably shouldn't be used for multiple children, much less multiple moms! When you go next door and find out that Ameda pumps are all constructed on a closed system...and do just about the same thing as that Other Brand....
Well, that's just frustrating. As a nurse, I educate patients about pumping systems if they're going back to work or pumping for a sick baby. I was silly enough to think that the one system I'd used at three separate hospitals was The Best. I know enough now to get some more information.
Top Points to Chew On:
- *Frequent* nipple stimulation = Higher baseline levels of prolactin = More milk production.
- #1 reason women stop nursing - They aren't confident in their supply.
- Using a flange-style breast pump (probably the most common) doesn't actually perform nipple stimulation! These pumps use oxytocin to help you let-down/eject the milk, but it doesn't help you to increase your supply!
More later - with edits if I learn anything here that's incomplete or inaccurate. I'm off to dinner with my brother Tim.
so many things
i could go on and on with breastfeeding realities versus what is taugt in hospitals/by most LCs. if that;s the #1 reason, I would say the #2 reason is pressure put on and myths perpetuated by breastfeeding advocates. just my .02. glad to see you got the cert and hope you keep learning with your eyes wide open :)