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Home › Articles › Issues for Mom › Keeping Abreast

Keeping Abreast

Deal With Conflicting Advice

By Lisa A. Goldstein

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Even though I nursed my daughter for a year, I couldn't remember much about breastfeeding when I gave birth to my son three years later. Getting conflicting advice from the healthcare professionals at the hospital only left me more frustrated. When it came to nighttime feedings, for example, the postpartum nurse said not to let him go more than four to six hours without a feeding. The pediatricians, on the other hand, said to feed on demand and take advantage of every opportunity to sleep.

Luckily, I had the benefit of prior experience which slowly started to come back to me and friends who were breastfeeding. Talking to them also helped me compare experiences and weigh those against the professionals' advice.

Unfortunately, getting conflicting advice is common. First-time moms are especially vulnerable. How can this be avoided?

Be Prepared
"The best thing to do before the baby is born is to read as much as possible about breastfeeding, so you can be as prepared as possible," says Sue Huml, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and member of the Lasinoh Breastfeeding Advisory Board. "Speak with a board-certified lactation consultant or take a breastfeeding class that may be offered through the hospital where you are scheduled to deliver. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and possibly meet the lactation consultant who will be available to help you following the delivery."

Being prepared also means understanding the background and motives behind the advice dispensers so you can figure out whom to trust. It's also a good idea to see which advisors take the time to listen and understand what you want, says Chris Mulford, IBCLC, RN. She warns parents to be wary of advice or products from companies with a competing product to sell. La Leche League and other mother-run support groups want to help people breastfeed, Mulford says. Their information is based on the pooled experience of many mothers, and the organization keeps on top of research on breastfeeding and lactation. Their materials are reviewed by professional advisors who have a strong history of breastfeeding support.

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