h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

One of the most frustrating things for me when I was starting breastfeeding was the conflicting advice I received from various midwives. Having had a C-section I was in hospital for several days and I dont think I got the same advice or help twice in all the time I was there. Frankly, I found some of the advice I was given completely unhelpful - glad to report I was able to make a success of it and breastfed exclusively for almost 6 months, eventually stopping when my daughter was 11 months old. I can't imagine the hassle of bottle feeding during the night - all I had to do was bring the baby into bed with me to feed and then put her back into her cot when she was finished. I stayed warm and comfortable and the whole thing was usually done in less than 45 minutes.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find how easily I could breastfeed discreetly. Even while still in hospital at a time when I could by no means claim to be adept at it, I was twice approached by a midwife (not the same one both times) who did not spot that I was engaged in feeding by daughter. The first time, the young midwife asked me if I was breast of bottle feeding (can't remember why she wanted to know) and only then realised that she could see the answer to the question! On the other occasion, it was a tutor for the trainee midwives who didn't realise until she came right up to me. I was very encouraged and it helped me to feed in public later on - of course, the legislation that had been passed not long before here in Scotland making it an offence to prevent a mother from breastfeeding in a public place was a big help, too. I was never aware of any odd looks though my husband told me there were a few double takes - no more than that, though.

I am so sorry to hear abut the conflicting advice you recieved. This is a constant theme, it really should not be happening in this day and age.
There are so many intitiatives these days to update staff about breastfeeding, but so many people use the excuse that they are too 'busy'. If I have time to keeping updated and support women with breastfeeding then I am sure other people could.
I feel so strongly about this, if staff do not know enough about breastfeeding, then they should find someone who does to give advice to women.
Well- rant over.
Happy new year !