Sharing our stories helps us connect. Our stories hold power and let others know they are not alone. Nurture has asked families to share their feeding journeys with us. Below is Gabby’s story. Enjoy 🙂
Tell us a little about your feeding journey
I was induced at 37 weeks due to pre-eclampsia, and nobody warned me that that could negatively impact breast-feeding. My baby had trouble transferring, so I triple fed for nine weeks which was exhausting! Thanks to the support from my Doula, husband, mom, and Allyson, from Nurture, we are going on month 14 of what has become a wonderful breast-feeding journey! I have always been passionate about breast-feeding and come from a long line of women who have breast-fed their babies. It has been an amazing tool, way to bond, and, of course, nourish my son.
How did IBCLC lactation care impact you?
Allyson made me feel so much more confident and comfortable in my breast-feeding. She gave me tools and small tricks that made a huge difference, for example, putting a rolled burp cloth under my breast, so that the angle was better for my baby. It was a game changer! She also just provided a lot of validation and reassured me that I was doing a great job, which every new mom needs to hear.
What advice you would want to pass along to an expecting parent?
The recommendation that I give to every pregnant person is to seek out an IBCLC BEFORE giving birth. I wish I had had an appointment with nurture while pregnant and then something set up immediately postpartum. Even if breast-feeding is going well, an IBCLC can always build confidence and provide validation. Especially if insurance covers visits, it is a no-brainer to utilize their services!
Thank you, Gabby, for sharing your feeding journey story!
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