A couple of days after returning home from hospital with our newborn a public health nurse visited and found that baby had lost 11%. She instructed me to put him on formula. I refused as I wanted to breastfeed. The nurse said that baby's latch was really good and that I just wouldn't be able to make enough milk for him. I had a problem with this as my baby was only two days old and my milk wasn't even in yet.
I spoke to a family member who had experienced something similar and she suggested looking into a doula for breastfeeding support. She provided me with a link to Doula Services Association. There, I searched several doulas and decided on Debra. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made as a mother.
I contacted Debra that night and she arrived the following morning. She immediately said that he was not latching properly so worked with us and within a couple of hours my baby was latching well. She also confirmed that my milk was coming in. Debra explained different positions and provided additional online resources for after she left. By the time Debra left, baby and I were successfully breastfeeding. Debra continued to follow-up uninvasively on the days afterwards, which was unexpected but greatly appreciated.
Baby's weight went up and he had passed his birth weight by his two week checkup. Public health nurses were shocked at our success without the use of formula. We are now at three weeks and still going strong!
I wish I had Debra for the birth of our first child and feel strongly that formula is pushed due to a lack of education in proper breastfeeding. Most women I know are told that they don't have enough milk but knowing what I know now, I am convinced that most women can actually make plenty. They just need someone like Debra to explain why they can make enough and to work with them on baby's latch.
I cannot speak highly enough of Debra and strongly recommend her.
-Jodi Browne
January 17, 2017
Postpartum Rate: $40