Lactation Consultant

In an effort to support new legislation that would require health care providers to encourage breastfeeding, several nursing New Yorkers brought attention to the issue by nursing while riding the A-train last Friday. I think this is a fantastic and bold effort to create awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. Many mothers in the hospital are not encouraged or supported enough to establish breastfeeding and ultimately give up. My experience supports this sad truth as I was told my nipples were “small” and “let’s give him some formula” when my milk didn’t come in right away. I left the hospital with tons of ready-made formula; scared and feeling inadequate to feed my child the way I wanted to. It seemed that my 3-day hospital stay was a stage for an epic and convincing Similac commercial! My husband and I are now better prepared to use the word “No” and serve as agressive bouncers for our child’s nutrition. Bravo to these women for taking a stand and spreading a positive and important message. Lady liberty is surely smiling down on them!

Here’s the link to the article.