...talking about breastfeeding !!!
I have previously mentioned my local 'unsupportive' breastfeeding support group, run by a HCA with no experience at breastfeeding herself and who wants all babies mixed feeding and on baby rice by 16 weeks. She actually tells you this is what you must do etc, even if you don't ask a question, you get samples of baby rice shoved into your hand.
I have spoken to her boss about her past behavior and she will be getting further training shortly (hopefully sooner rather than later) but in the meantime she just keeps talking crap to be honest.
I got some advice off some breastfeeding counselor expert/trainees on how to tactfully introduce the correct information without upsetting the lady...it didn't go well.
The HCA had already earlier in the meeting told several mothers stupid and inaccurate things but I was working hard on trying to phrase things tactfully and hence I just listened and said nothing as I was trying to work out the best way to get the correct information across in a positive non-judgmental way.
Then a mum, who I know really wants to breastfeed and said so to the HCA but she isn't getting much sleep and asked for suggestions about getting more sleep whilst breastfeeding. HCA standard answer was 'wean them dear, give them more food and then they will sleep or you could try CIO'...the baby is only 4 months old
I suggested that maybe she could consider bringing the cot back into her bedroom (she had only just moved the baby out) and hence find it easier for night feeds, as I found having my daughter close at night helped me get more sleep.
The lady snapped at me that it was not recommended and that babies should be in their own rooms. I said that I had heard the risk of SIDS was lower when the baby had a cot in their parents room for the first 6 months, had I got that wrong ?
The lady shouted at me and told me I was wrong and if I wanted to give advice I need to set my own group up and not come to HER group and HER ladies to talk here. Bit of an over reaction I think, it shocked everyone as I had made such an effort to be reasonable and had only asked her a question.
I followed her out of the room a little later and explained that I had no intention of upsetting her, I just thought that this group was an appropriate place to share breastfeeding information and to discuss our experiences as nursing mothers.
She calmed down and said that if I didn?t talk, she would allow me to come to the next group meeting !!! But I'm a breastfeeding mum, going to a free access group run by the NHS, how can she even think she can ban me for asking her a poxy question.
How can the group support breastfeeding when the women are not allowed to talk about our own experiences or any research/facts which go against her opinions, or ask a question she doesn't like !!!
So back to the meeting where one brave mum stated she intended to BF exclusively to 6 months, the lady spend 10 minutes saying in a very negative way, that if she really felt that she could cope, gosh you look tired, isn't your baby sleeping though, he needs baby rice have you thought about weaning.
When it was my friends turn and she stated that she was happy to get to 6 months exclusive feeding (Despite this HCA telling her she had to wean every week for the last 6 weeks plus she sent a weaning woman around to my friends home, as a bit of a hint)
The HCA turned around and said we shouldn't be bragging as it is not fair on those who bottle feed...FFS...it is a BREAST FEEDING support group.....ARGGHH
My friend and I were smiling and friendly at the club but underneath I can not get over how stupid this woman is.
I feel like noting every inaccurate point she makes and pass it back to her boss as training issues, but I am starting to think that all the training in the world won't help her.
My friend suggested that we should spilt up and sit with different mums every week and try and help them by listening to what they are saying and perhaps passing on the real BF help lines numbers to those mums who want to keep on feeding.
I like the idea but reckon we'll be chucked out in the next few weeks. She doesn't believe in feeding babies over 4 months and always questions, my friend and mine attendance. but as I point out I'll need her 'help' when I decide to stop BF.
I will still keep attending, it is harder for her to tell mums that they have to stop BF at 6 months when I am sat there with a nursing 14 month old and the other mums are interested in us still feeding and ask if her teeth affect her nursing and why we still do it and is it beneficial for my daughter and of course I gave brief positive answers.
RANT over...just wanted to get that information out and on paper as such.