A few weeks ago, I was with some friends and they encouraged me to start writing a book about what I do every single day...To begin with, it is definitely flattering for someone to encourage you to do such a task, but the whole confidence thing is somewhat difficult for me.
I have to preface this by saying, that I am only good at what I do because my heavenly father blessed me with a special set of skills, and then because of various peers, patients, family and friends I have learned things to enhance what I do in the area of parenting and helping mothers learn to breastfeed their babies. If it wasn't for the PPFF group, I wouldn't be the person, professional, and person I am today. So I have to thank each of those people who have walked this path with me. So if you have worked with me, lived with me, been my friend or my patient --Thank You for what you have taught me....
This is an undertaking which may never come to an end, and I really don't know if there is a right or wrong way but I am just going to start at the beginning and then each blog posting will follow in an orderly fashion.
Not really sure what to call the entries but I am going to start with Breastfeeding Stuff....
Entry 1
So the test was positive--You are pregnant and in a little less than nine months, a baby will be in your arms! Whether this was planned, not planned, wanted, not wanted, or whether you have no emotional attachment to this new state of being, it is time now to begin to educate yourself and plan for this new venture.
What happens next is the life of a brand new person. This little person will be born at some point and none of us like to think anything will go in an unplanned way... I will address special circumstances in another entry. Just to say, most of the next few entries will be about regular moms, regular babies and regular circumstances.
At some point, you will have to decide about how you plan on feeding your new baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding your baby exclusive breastmilk for at least the first 6 months of your baby's life and continuing to provide breastmilk through the first year of life and on into the second year as long as it is mutually satisfying for mother and baby.
It is at this time, that the education factor is very important. A prenatal breastfeeding class is a great place to start. I strongly recommend you go to your doctor, WIC office, hospital, or even online to find a class.
We'll pick up here...next time.
