This is Part I of a two-part interview. It focuses on general breastfeeding questions and Part II will focus on Long Beach as a breastfeeding community.
Sometimes the best information can come from the simplest of connections: a conversation. So let’s talk with a local leading lactation professional in our own community. An internationally board certified lactation consultant, Susan Orr (PT, LCCE, CLC, IBCLC) has worked with countless pregnant and nursing moms in Long Beach and the South Bay. Moms leave Susan’s classes and support groups with knowledge, practice, confidence and more often than not, a couple of granola bars.
Breastfeeding Examiner: You’ve been in the lactation field for over 20 years. What are the most significant changes you’ve noticed from when you first started and now?
Susan Orr: The biggest change is the acceptance of lactation consulting as a profession. Other professionals are starting to see the value of a qualified LC being able to evaluate the mother and baby and give workable treatment plans – instead of patting a mom on the back and telling her to “just keep trying”.
BE: Some mothers think that nothing could have truly prepared them for pregnancy/birth/early baby days, and some think preparation is key! Could you share your “top tips” for pregnant women considering breastfeeding?
SO: Yes, I know that the class cannot adequately prepare you for your experience – but take a comprehensive breastfeeding class! Mothers who spend some time learning about what is normal will then know sooner if things are not going quite right. Next, get resources lined up before you need them. You may hope you’ll never need to use them, but knowing where to get help before it’s dire (think 1:30am, you’re exhausted, crying baby hasn’t latched all day) is the best thing you can do. Moms need to talk to their friends that have been successful at breastfeeding and find what they felt made them successful. Explore options for help, get a pediatrician who is breastfeeding-friendly and has a history of referring moms with breastfeeding problems to qualified consultants. Check to see if there is La Leche League support group in your area.
BE: What are the best things the partner or immediate family of a nursing mom can do to help with the breastfeeding experience?
SO: First get educated about what is normal breastfeeding. Too many times family members are just trying to provide the “quick fix” by encouraging the new mom to bottle-feed. I have had many moms in tears because their mother or partner would not support their gallant efforts to successfully breastfeed because it was a lot of work. Also, friends and family members do not realize that all the visitors and activities overwhelm moms and babies. Help mom with all the other chores – meals, laundry, cleaning, shopping and giving mom permission to just spend lots of time with her baby. Congratulate mom on her efforts with her baby and listen to what her goals are. Mom and baby are learning a completely new skill together – helping create a calm, supportive space for them to do this is invaluable.
Susan has a B.S. in Physical Therapy from CSULB, completed the UCLA Lactation Consultant program and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Since 1989, she has worked as an LC at Columbia Pediatrics in Long Beach. Susan works for Torrance Memorial as a pediatric physical therapist and she also teaches breastfeeding and parenting classes at both Torrance and Long Beach Memorial Medical Centers. Find out more about her and her weekly breastfeeding clinics at: Columbia Pediatrics - Susan Orr
Comments