The Breast Whisperer

[Anonymous]

Pat Shelley is pretty much the only LC around here that I trust! I send everyone I know to her. I always think that the local hospitals would do WELL to send their postpartum nurses to Pat for training sessions. Instead, Pat is usually the one cleaning up the mess that the nurses made at the hospital with regards to breastfeeding.

[Anonymous]

Pat is fantastic. I was not sure if I was going to breastfeed because we had such a difficult time with it the first few days/weeks, but Pat was extremely helpful. Her basic approach was that in the beginning, I needed to focus on: 1.) taking care of myself (I was incredibly sore from an emergency C-section and the normal swollen breasts); 2.) making sure that my baby was eating enough (even if it meant pumping every now and then and offering him a bottle). She was also able to get him to latch on, something that three or four lactation consultants at the hospital were unable to do in the four days that I was there. It was really a miracle. It was the best money we spent (if you're wondering where to cut costs, just forego the pack-and-play and baby bjorn). At first I (and my entire family) thought it was absolutely ridiculous when our pediatrician recommended a consultant, but honestly, she is totally worth it.

[Anonymous]

I thought the article was good, however one thing that bothered me is that it seemed to imply that EVERYONE has breastfeeding problems.

While many women do, and it's wonderful that there is a resource for them, not all women have difficulty breastfeeding. Expectant mothers should take classes and feel comfortable asking questions, but don't assume that breastfeeding will be an impossible task to accomplish without the aid of a consultant.

Please don't psyche yourself out after reading this article - you and your baby just might be naturals!

[Anonymous]

I agree with the previous poster that there are many "naturals" out there and it seemed to come easily enough for everyone I knew, but I don't think that it can be emphasized enough that breastfeeding does not come naturally for everyone. And for those people (and there are MANY out there, myself included), it is so wonderful to have support and positive reinforcement. There is nothing wrong with you or your baby if it does not come easily. That is probably the main message that should be put out there. More people would choose to breastfeed if they had the right support. After all, why continue trying to do something if it makes you feel inadequate and formula is so readily available?

[Anonymous]

I thought the article was very good. Before delivery, I did not think much (or read anything) about breastfeeding. The lactation consultants at Georgetown (where I delivered) were wonderful and really helpful and patient with showing me how to have the baby latch on. They were also available by phone at no cost upon discharge.

[Anonymous]

I attended the Breastfeeding basics class (free) before my first was born. Pat taught the class, and it was really helpful for me. I fortunately never had a need to hire a lactation consultant. I have returned to the Breastfeeding center to buy nursing bras (they stock Bravada which I like).

[Anonymous]

My first child and I had a terrible time for the first 8 weeks of trying to breastfeed. I saw 6 lactation consultants. I would cry every time I thought feeding time was approcahing, dreading the pain and frustration. I pumped and she drank from a cup.

Pat was by far the best. She did help. Also, the center was always wonderful about having random pumping supplies in stock.

In reality, I think the kid finally just figured out how to latch on her own at about 8 weeks, and breastfed with few problems until about 14 months. The next two kids just knew how to breastfeed within minutes of birth, no problems.

[Anonymous]

Pat is wonderful!! Our baby seemed to be a natural, and yet I still had a bunch of questions during the first month as I tried to figure things out. So I did a phone consult with Pat, which was perfect. She was quick, to the point, and very supportive. I think she charges in 15 minute blocks for phone consults -- economical and a great way to get peace-of-mind if you're doing well but want to double-check things in the early weeks.

Speaking of double-checking, the BF Center has a baby scale and will let you come in and weigh your baby free of charge. If you're at all worried about whether your baby is gaining enough the first month in between scheduled doctor's visits, use their scale.

[Anonymous]

The article hightlights Pat as a great resource for expectant and bfing moms, but it didn't mention that there are other breast feeding/lactation centers besides the one in DC.

The one in Fairfax is fantastic. It seems to get overlooked especially since everyone always posts to go see Pat (which is great...I don't mean to discredit her), but for those of us that live in VA - the one if Fairfax is great too.