More Info on Breastfeeding Please

I have just finished reading your first publication of From Belly to Baby and congratulate you not only on the initiative itself, but on the thoughtful and informative way you have approached such topics as breast is best, what is a midwife and what is a doula. Important and relevant topics for expectant parents indeed.

If I may, I would like to suggest a topic for you to research and report on in a later issue. While there is plenty of information available in books and through other media on why a mother would choose to breastfeed her infant, parents also need to know that the first six weeks of nursing can be a difficult time while mum and baby learn together how to breastfeed. It is at this critical time that mothers must know that help and support are available to them. There are many community groups (e.g. La Leche League), online resource (e.g. Dr. Jack Newman) and individuals (e.g. board certified lactation consultants) to help mothers gain information, confidence, and ultimately a healthy breastfeeding relationship with their baby. I am certain that many new and expectant mothers would benefit from a handy resource guide (perhaps focusing on local resources in particular) to see them through the joys and challenges of breastfeeding their new baby.

Thank you and keep up the good work.

Katie Doyle, Chelsea, QC

Hi Katie,

We are thrilled you are enjoying From Belly to Baby! I agree that breastfeeding is often difficult, and that there needs to be more information made readily available to new moms before they give birth! We hope to be able to identify and compile the resources and information for new moms in each of our editions over time. Thank you for your feedback - we love to hear from you. Yours in Health, the team at From Belly to Baby.

Why I Opted for Alternative Care

My first child, Victoria (2½ yrs old) was born 2 weeks after her due date by c-section (caesarean section) after an induction and being told my pelvic bones were too tight. I know today that I wasn't well informed of all my options and I made a promise to myself, that I would take charge of my next pregnancy.

At 30 weeks pregnant with my second daughter Lucille (8 months today), I switched from seeing an obstetrician to seeking help in alternative care. Many doors opened up to me at that moment. I started consulting Dr. Kelly Norman – chiropractor for some pelvic adjustments, Geneviève Gagnon, Térèsa Bandrowska and Diane Parkin – midwives, Dr. Colleen McQuarrie – naturopath for some acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal supplements.

After 24 hours of drug free/ at-home active labour with our midwife, the progress stopped at 7 cm so we decided to go to the hospital to try an epidural as I was exhausted. The anaesthesiologist was no where to be found for 2 hours and eventually I started to panic. My baby's heart beat increased rapidly, and so I was encouraged to consider an emergency c-section. I truly believe that being in a hospital scared me, making it more difficult for me to envision anything other than another c-section.

Even though I ended up with another c-section, the experience was the total opposite of my first daughter's birth. Preparing the birth of my second child was very empowering and still today, I seek alternative care for my family. I encourage every woman to inform themselves as much as possible and understand all the benefits of a more natural approach to pregnancy and birth. It's not only healthier for the body, but it is also for the mind.

(submitted by Julie F.)