In Honor of WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

I have been reading posts all week about World Breastfeeding Week and thinking I have to share my story. This week is perhaps more important to me than World Breastfeeding Week. 


Nicholas and I struggled with breastfeeding more than I could have ever imagined possible. After seeking help from our favorite LC's, I learned the causes of breastfeeding problems. It turns out we encountered every barrier to breastfeeding possible. From the very beginning I we struggled with latch problems. Then, while latch problems continued we encountered low milk supply. I pumped religiously and followed every single feeding, pumping schedule known to man. From there we ended up with a nipple shield. This of course caused nipple confusion and enhanced the low milk supply. Again, we used herbal supplements and went back to the nursing, then pumping and feeding Nicholas the expressed breastmilk. We spent $350 on a breastpump followed by $150 a month for herbal supplements. 


I was beyond exhausted and tired of fighting with doctors, nurses and LC's. By this time Nicholas had been hospitalized 3 times and my time off with him was nearing the end. In absolute desperation, I called my LC one more time. I told her I give up and I now accept the fact that he will have to be supplemented with formula. I was devastated. 


My LC told me it was not the end and that she found someone who has extra milk. She asked if I wanted her contact information and that she was willing to share with us. I was apprehensive about taking someone else's milk, but it was important to me to give him what was best. When I met with the lady she kept telling me "Its not much, but I would love to share with you". When she handed me the bag of milk, my eyes filled with tears. She had several bags of milk with 5-8oz in each bag. I couldn't believe it! 


Right away we started giving him her milk to supplement what I didn't have. He needed about 2oz a day. Finally he seemed content. Then our milk stash started running low. I was starting to freak out again. I contacted our LC and she right away put us in contact with the most giving, most generous woman I have ever met or will probably ever meet. She gladly pumped for us for 7 MONTHS!!! She is so incredible generous and my husband and I will never forget what she has done for us. She was an angel sent to us from God. I have now come to understand that we see and feel the presence of God in many different ways. For us, this came in the form of another mommy who was happy to help me succeed by providing our baby with her baby's milk. We are forever grateful to her.