Thursday, March 25, 2010

Informed and Empowered Motherhood

Today I remembered why I bought Baby aWEARness all over again. A mom with a 2 week-old called the store inquiring about our lactation consultant Nicky. She was having massive problems breastfeeding and had turned to formula. That led to major engorgement, and as we soon discovered, borderline mastitis. She was in severe pain, emotionally and physically.

When she came for her consultation, the store was filled with mothers who could immediately sense and empathize with her situation. It turned into an impromptu support group, with all of us talking story, sharing our trials and tribulations as mothers. I can honestly say that when this mother left the store she felt informed and empowered to go back home and continue breastfeeding. She knew what she had in store for her, she knew it was going to be painful and hard, but most of all she knew she could do it.

It was a beautiful beautiful thing.

3 comments:

  1. I love it. SO would have been right in that circle with her, feeling her pain, sharing stories and advice!

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  2. What an awesome thing to witness. Oftentimes when I read parenting discussion boards, there are so many women that are critical and bent on tearing others down. When women come together to encourage, guide, and educate, it can be a powerful, powerful experience. I've made it my focus to always "speak life". There is so much a person can do and overcome with just one well-spoken word from another that's traveled the same path. I'm so glad that you were able to help foster that! We need more of that in this world.

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