We meet several configurations of families in our work. No matter the design, every family needs honest support, accurate information and patience.Rachel Hess, MS will present a relevant topic at our November 2nd conference. “Supporting LGBQ/T Families: Moving from Tolerance to Cultural Humility.”I recently read an article about a parent who wanted to induce lactation. Their goal was to be able to breastfeed the child their partner was carrying. They had breastfed their older children and wanted to have that bond with their newest baby. This was important and deeply meaningful for them.Two things stuck in my mind after I read this article.As they learned about inducing lactation, they wanted medical guidance while using the Goldfarb-Newman protocol. What impressed me was that several practitioners did not know about (or had limited experience with) this protocol for inducing lactation. An IBCLC can help with this is the kind of information.Eventually, this family did find someone.They described this practitioner as a person who “was incredibly supportive and excited to help us during this journey, something that was important to us as well.”The other concern they had was how their own friends and family would understand why the non-pregnant parent would choose to breastfeed. For the most part, their decision was accepted, though maybe not fully understood. In time, the value of this was more fully appreciated. “I recently spoke with my mom … when she saw how much I pumped and co-breastfed...how dedicated I was to this process ... she was so amazed and apologized for not believing in me.”Your understanding of what is important to a family makes an impact, as a health care practitioner, friend or family member. That is how we can be more genuinely supportive. Come to the November workshop and learn more.“It’s Complicated”.Saturday November 2, 2019. 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.Tufts Medical Center 800 Washington St. Boston, MA 02111Across from the Tufts T stop on the Orange Line. There is a parking garage (for a fee.)Lunch is provided. 5.75 CERPs.Register now before October rolls away!https://www.eventbee.com/v/itscomplicated#/tickets
Two Breastfeeding Parents
