A special forum!

great idea Emma. Just wanted to add my two cents in. last year i remember a few mums getting...perhaps upset about this week, saying it made bottle feeding mums feel bad, and i had an ephiphany.

In japan, breastfeeding isn't as accepted as it is in NZ, and when i wanted desperately to breastfeed Jake but had to work, i had NO support. i had to express in the toilet, complaints were made about me keeping breastmilk in the staff fridge (despite it being in a labelled "liz only" paper bag), my daycare wouldn't take epxressed milk (they didn't know how to heat and claimed Japanese formula was better anyway), and forget feeding in public - discreet or not.

So now despite me NOT exclusively breastfeeding either child for the recommended six months, i think these weeks are soooo important to remind health workers and the government that breastfeeding - or the choice to - is one we want to make ourslves, and not have the choice dictated to us through poor legislation.

And for those that think it's not necessary anymore - read the trademe boards....i truly didn't believe that breastfedding in public was an "issue" to people in this day an age (and am talking about people who say it is "disgusting to see")

Put very well.

well as a mum who bf for 6 months, also was an exclusive pumping mum for 3 months and am also a ff mum
I am happy that breastfeeding week is reconised (sp) but at the same time wish there was a recognition for formula feeding mums too

Edited by Tastic

its coming am compiling a massive email for Emma. Now I'm registered and liscenced and all, ive got LOTS of info!

Maya wrote: (this is my personal opinion) I don't really perceive things like World Breastfeeding Week as an attack or affront on those who don't/can't/won't breastfeed, rather like you say it's just an education opportunity for those who are interested in breastfeeding, or who are pregnant and don't know much about it - a chance to become informed in order to make an informed decision. And, of course, a chance to celebrate the obstacles that we've overcome (both physical and social) to get breastfeeding established.

YES! I'm so passionate about this at the moment as I had an awful comment about breastfeeding on my FB page when I posted a link to the Big Latch On group. It made me so MAD!

I could only manage 6 weeks feeding Ashlee before the pain and physical obstacles and lack of help from my LMC broke me and I switched to FF. I was more upset about that than I realised and when I was pregnant with Madison, I was determined that things have GOT to be better and I sought help in my last trimester - going to a free BF course through the hospital and also having a lactation consultant come and visit me at home. She had some absolute top quality, priceless advice and although it was still incredibly tough the first 4 weeks or so, I felt confident enough knowing that my LC was just a phone call or email away. She actually paid another home visit when baby arrived. My new found knowledge went to good use and Madison is 10 weeks old now and we're still breastfeeding with no issues at all.

I would encourage everyone to see a LC prior to having baby.

Baalamb, how did you find out about the breastfeeding course? Does anyone know if they offer something similar in Palmy?

im LOVING!! This forum already!!!! for many reasons i wasnt able to properly fully BF my boys....mainly perseverence i think so this time i was VERY determined!! and am fully BFding Karma 8 weeks on

all adivce so hugely appreciated from me

I breastfeed my eldest son nearly three for 19 months while working in ChCh a 45m drive for me. I have had no 2 son who is now five months and exclusively breastfeed him but have changed jobs so I am working closer to home. What a difference a good employer makes. I express in a private, warm office when ever needed. I can make the time up or not. My stress levels are way down this time. I still have to make sure I eat and drink properly in order to keep up the milk supply. I am really thankful to my family, friends and employer for allowing me to continue breastfeeding. Not everyone is as lucky as I am to have had the support. I think our communities need to address the issue of clean tidy baby rooms for mothers to change, feed etc regardless of bottle or breast. I don't normally go to Merivale Mall in Christchurch however I was there for an appointment a few weeks ago and used the mother room and I was very impressed. There was a microwave, comfortable couchs to feed my son, change tables and plenty of room. Perhaps someone could do a website that listed suitable places for parents to shop at easily. I will definately shop there again. Happy breastfeeding.

baalamb wrote: T_Rex wrote: Baalamb, how did you find out about the breastfeeding course? Does anyone know if they offer something similar in Palmy? Word of mouth, really. My cousin went to a course and I looked further into it. You could ring your hospital and ask to speak to the maternity ward and see if they run anything similar or can give you referrals to LC's in your area. Sheza, there's definitely a really good chance you'll be able to the second time round! I was really, really skeptical that things would go fine with Madison, but talking to the LC (she asked me to write down everything that happened with BFing Ashlee). There were tears and all sorts, but it felt so SO good to talk it out and seek advice early. Things felt like they were going downhill with it all when Madi was a couple of weeks old, but one call and meeting later with the LC again and the issues were all sorted. I just felt so confident after sessions with her! All the best

Thanks baalamb
Im almost 100% that we will be all good this time, it was just all sorts of reason last time and in the end it was best for caden and me for us to go full time on formula.
Im just going to make sure I seek as much help as i can, and I have my fingers crossed for a MUCH easier birth this time round lol!