One the Dawn of a New Year
2 years ago
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Breast Pump Politics
I listened to an interesting story on NPR yesterday about the politics surrounding breast pumps. As a PAP, I have thought so many times about the possibility of trying to breast feed. I'll be honest that while I haven't made a firm decision yet, I am leaning towards bottle feeding. Listening to some of the women who called in as they discussed how unhappy they were about having "spent their baby's infancy with the pump" really made me think. I have always thought I would breast feed my baby. Pre-infertility that was a given for me, a natural image that came along with my ideas of motherhood. It has been one of the most difficult ideals for me to release amongst all the others. Some may not understand, but this is a loss I have had to grieve. So that's why, when I heard about it, I thought for sure I would try adoptive breast feeding. The more I learn about trying to enduce lactation though, the more I'm just not sure. I think it's a very personal decision, and one I still have to think about. Having said that, I think I learned a lot from the women who called in for this story. If nothing else, it got me thinking and that's always a good thing!
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8 comments:
I've been thinking a lot about adoptive breastfeeding as well. Like you, I thought not being able to breastfeed was something I would have to grieve, much like the loss of experiencing pregnancy. I haven't made a firm decision either but I continue to learn about it. There's a seminar in my area next month which I hope to attend.
I have been back and forth on the issue over and over again. It is something I would really like to do and like you, always thought of it as a given.
All in all, I think that it will just add too much stress in an already stressful situation surrounding placement. That is where I am at right now.... who knows where I will go.
Hi Melba ~
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words on my blog. :)
I, too, could have written this post a few months back.:) I looked into it in great depth and ended up deciding that I'd rather be spending my time with my son than in a bedroom pumping milk. :) It was something I was almost certain I would do going into the adoption process. Now....I'm sad that I won't be able to share that with my son, but it's a decision I felt like I needed to do to keep my sanity. :)
Good luck! I know you'll come to the decison that is right for you and your family. :) Thinking of you ~
Jamie
Thanks for the NPR link. I am very interested in listening to what all has to be said. I breastfeed and pumped for over 13 months, and well the pumping wasn't my favorite past time, I do not all all regret it. I pumped while at work, or before going out somewhere in public (i.e. a resturant) where I myself did not want to breastfeed.
you know what you could try? you could try too get your milk to come in prior to the baby coming, maybe once you are matched if time allows, then store/freeze the breast milk so that way the baby would get the nutrition from it and once they are at your home maybe you could switch over to just breast feeding the baby.
I take meds so it's sort of iffy for me, but I decided that BF is a big pain in the patooty. (of course this is just my opinion since I can't do it) Have you seen your friends do it? It is definitely a time investment. If you want the bonding there are things out there for adoptive parents and there is simply the naked skin on skin contact with your baby.
Oh yeah, there are professionals who know all about that stuff and can tell you about the various appliances if you want the closeness.
I am struggling with the same question. I always assumed I would breastfeed. Then adoption became our reality and now I am not sure. My husband thinks I still should try, but from what I have read, the odds of me being able to fully breastfeed without using the meds/herbs (which I am not willing to do) are slim. Still, some breastmilk is better than none and it would be good for bonding, so I am leaning towards trying once we get the baby (but obviously forumla feeding to ensure the baby gets enough) and seeing how it goes.
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