As a Certified Lactation Educator/Counselor, I feel the need to respond to the recent post about “I Had to Stop Breastfeeding & I’m Relieved” published on Kveller. It would be a disservice to women who are new to breastfeeding or don’t know about it to spread information about breastfeeding that comes from a writer’s particular situation and choices.
There are two main points I’d like to make:
1. You don’t have to stop breastfeeding because you need medication.
There are medications that are safe for breastfeeding and you don’t have to stop breastfeeding if you are sick or need medical attention. Dr. Thomas Hale is the most respected physician who has researched every medication and its role in breastfeeding. Any nurse at your pediatrician’s office or a La Leche League leader can help you find a medication to treat infections and medical conditions (including mental illnesses like depression) while breastfeeding. Here is Dr. Hale’s website.
2. You can get support if you want it.
There is (free!) education, resources, and support if you are struggling breastfeeding, raising multiple kids, and feeling tapped out. Here are a few: LLLI.org, KellyMom.com, HolisticMoms.org.
I have a lot of other things to say, but I will hold my tongue and hope that everyone finds what works best for them and gets all of the information they need to do what works best for their families.
