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"Remember me, with the twins, Hannah and Isabella? I just wanted to tell you that we took the girls to the doctor yesterday for their 4 mos old check up, and they are both 23 1/2 inches long now, and Hannah weighed 11lbs 13oz, and Isabella weighed 10 lbs 9 oz. Anyways, I just wanted to update you and let you know that they are growing well. They have also started on rice cereal, and Isabella LOVES it (the one who hated the bottle, remember?). I am still breastfeeding as much as possible too. Hope all is well with you!" - Rebeka
"Carol is wonderful. My daughter was only 5 days old when we began to experience breastfeeding problems. My mom gave Carol a call on Saturday morning and she was at my house Saturday evening. She was patient, understanding and unbelievably helpful. She gave a very tired, hormonal new mother many tips and tools to help me succeed. On Sunday morning I started a new, by Tuesday we were in business and by Thursday when Carol came back to check up on us, it was like I had been breastfeeding my daughter for months. I wouldn’t have made it without her help."
"I always knew I wanted to breastfeed, but for all my voracious reading during my pregnancy I should have educated myself better regarding breastfeeding twins. I especially wish I had met with Carol while still pregnant. I could have hit the ground running instead of trying to make up for lost time. I was induced at 36 weeks due to severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. I was heavily medicated on magnesium sulfate and suffering from lots of edema. Peter and Lorelei were a month premature and though doing very well, they were little. Peter was 5 lbs 9 oz at birth and Lorelei was 4 lbs 7 oz. At the hospital I worked with 2 LC's who were helpful, but once at home I could not for the life of me get the babies to latch. I was a wreck emotionally and physically. I thought I was losing my one chance to breastfeed these babies and I felt like I was badgering them with my breast. Through my pediatrician, I got in touch with Carol. She assured me over the phone not to worry, that it wasn't too late, and she came to our home for a consultation (which is lifesaving with newborn preterm twins). Carol was a godsend. She is gentle, knowledgeable, and resourceful. Her non-judgmental compassionate approach really put me at ease and relieved many of my stresses and anxieties about breastfeeding twins. The babies had trouble latching so we used nipple shields to help them latch at first. Carol also instructed me on proper care and technique for using my Medela Symphony pump (the best breast pump ever!). Things were going smoothly when at 12 weeks I came down with a wicked case of mastitis. Once again, Carol came to our rescue. Her guidance and support are the reason that I have been able to exclusively breastfeed my twins for over six months now, with no end in sight. Raising twins is overwhelming at times, but feeding them has become the easiest and most rewarding thing of all.
Being able to breastfeed my twins has been my greatest joy. I have Carol to thank for this amazing experience and for that I will be forever grateful.
PS. Carol, I love my nursing bra. Thank you for taking care of those of us who are so very well endowed. And just so you know, at their six month check-up Peter was 16 lbs 5 oz and Lorelei was 14 lbs 11 oz. They are healthy, happy, booby babies!" - M
"Even though Ethan is now 2, he'll always be my baby ;) And I did find listening to Ethan's needs really helped me blossom and create a strong mother-child bond between Ethan and I. I never pushed the sleeping issue, love cuddling with him, and now he sleeps in a toddler bed. I am still easing my way out of the room, but he is so confident, friendly, and outgoing. What works for me, will not work for everyone, I understand, but just listening to Ethan and putting that first made all the difference, so thank you for letting me hear that again ;)
I don't think I told you, but Ethan had testicular cancer when he was 10 months old. He is doing very well now with regular check-ins at Children's in Chicago. While the future is always uncertain and there can be much to worry about, we try as hard as we possibly can to live in the moment and focus on now and have dreams of course, but to realize what a gift we have. Faith has guided the way and never failed us and Dr. Chris and her staff are our other "angels". I'm glad you have a relationship with them. I cannot sing their praises enough.
We do hope for more children, but the process is difficult just as it was with Ethan. However when (not if!) that day comes, I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together again in some capacity ....hopefully another child will take to breastfeeding more easily ;) But I know who to call if he/she doesn't!
Well, I just wanted to take a minute and fill you in. Have a wonderful 4th! -
Michelle
As you’ll recall, I called you because Ryan was becoming increasingly fussy at the breast at about 8 weeks – just when I thought everything should be getting easier! I had also had Ryan into a GI doctor because of his green, mucous, stools that had blood in them. The doctor diagnosed a possible milk protein allergy and had me go off dairy, but it wasn’t getting any better. Neither he nor my regular pediatrician ever suggested it could be HOW I was breastfeeding, nor did they suggest seeing a lactation consultant. I was so surprised to learn from you that my problem likely was NOT a milk allergy, but an oversupply issue. Upon taking your advice as to how to handle that problem, not only did Ryan become less fussy at the breast, but his poop cleared up as well!
In addition to our initial visit which was so helpful, I have found your accessibility for follow up questions by both phone and email invaluable. You have gently guided me past all the bumps in the breastfeeding road.
My challenges in nursing Ryan certainly taught me why so many women give up on breastfeeding early – something I couldn’t fully appreciate with my first, easy feeding baby. I will routinely give your information to every expectant mother I know and encourage her to get help early!
Thank you Carol. I now believe again that I can nurse Ryan until he’s at least a year old, as I did with Andrew, and to me that is a great gift." - Vicki
"Hi Carol! - It’s been about 6 months since I have emailed at that time I was considering weaning and well, it didn't happen. Now she’s almost 12 months and I am pregnant with baby #2!
Thanks for your help." - Becky
Much to my surprise and delight, in only about 3 minutes of being in my home, Carol diagnosed Layla as having a disorganized suck, which was causing her to thrust her tongue. She taught my husband and I how to use a “finger feeder” to train Layla’s tongue to stay down on the bottom of her mouth. After only 3 days of using the finger feeder, Layla had the hang of it and was nursing with no problem!
Carol gave me hope when I thought I just wasn’t going to be able to do this and she made me feel like I was not alone in experiencing a problem of this nature. Not to mention, it is apparent that she truly cares about each and every baby and mom and that this isn’t just “business” for her. Working with her was wonderful and I look forward to being able to recommend her to new moms in the future. Thanks again Carol, Layla and I will never forget you and the wonderful gift of nursing that you gave us!" - Amie
"Sam just had his 9 month appointment and I'm proud to say that he is well and happy!
We actually just finished up nursing within the last week. We were both ready. I was tired of pumping and Sam's two new teeth had become somewhat dangerous! So, I hold him close, feed him a bottle and play with him on what used to be our favorite nursing spots. He's doing fine.
I'm really proud that he was a partially breast fed baby for the first 9 months of his life. We have a closeness that I'm so sure came from our quiet breastfeeding sessions. I'm so glad that you helped us accomplish this terrific start in life!" - Cara
Please continue to spread the word that there are women out there who have had to battle very difficult circumstances, beyond the "normal" healing from delivery. In my case, this was a surgery requiring 4 to 6 months of healing time (on strong antibiotics and painkillers) and having to go under anesthesia when my son was only 8-weeks old. Dealing with not being able to take care of my son during the first few weeks of recovery was heart-wrenching. I had wonderful family and friends that helped me get through and took exceptional care of Ethan; however, I never thought I would be in the position I was in when I thought of life after the birth of my son. Carol, you know how difficult it was to get Ethan to latch on and when he finally did, I found I had a serious and horrible infection running through my body. Talk about timing! Yet, understanding that serious illness or issues affect women at any time in their life and that we cannot plan these things is so important.
Your efforts should be recognized as you are pioneer-like in dealing with this situation. So thank you for trying to not divide women with these experiences into an unfair category, and not making us stereotypes. Thank you for giving awareness and sensitivity to us and for demanding the same respect for us as for all mothers who want the best for their children. Your efforts are important and greatly appreciated!!!" - Michelle and Ethan
"My son Cameron was born at 36 weeks following many weeks of fighting off preterm labor. My first son was born at 31.5 weeks and because I had not help I quit breastfeeding him (I had low milk supply from all the pumping and no baby on the breast). So, I was bound and determined to breastfeed this baby. Cameron ended up in the hospital for a week and a half with severe jaundice (they think it was breast milk jaundice). So, I had the help of the lactation people there. However, I was still in a ton of pain, he was sleepy and not eating well and I was on the verge of quitting again.
Then came Carol to the rescue! When Cameron finally came home, Carol came to visit. She was so flexible with her schedule and made sure she was there at a time when he was most hungry. I appreciated her calm reassuring words and her research based comments. I also appreciated her "hands off" approach. Unlike the other lactation consultants that I had experiences with, she did not try to shove Cameron on the breast as if passing off a football, nor did she try to shove my nipple and entire areola in his mouth either. Before long the pain was slowly subsiding and Cameron was eating better and better and I was becoming more comfortable with what I learned to be a LEARNED feeding technique....It has been such a rewarding experience, and I have recommended Carol to everyone I know with a baby! I couldn't have done it without her!" - Katy
"Thanks to Carol who rescued me from the tears of the painful breastfeeding days. I was at my wits end when I was referred to Carol for some help. I was just about to give up on breastfeeding when I called Carol. My daughter was having a difficult time latching on and at every feeding, I tearfully cringed at the pain. Carol came to the rescue…I was having my baby latch on at the wrong angle and my flow was too fast for my baby to handle. So Carol suggested to “kink the hose” to slow the flow of the milk (push in on the side of my breast) until my baby can handle the flow. She also observed my positioning and placed Emily in the correct position to latch on the breast. Now Emily is just about 3 ½ months old and at the 97% on the growth chart! She loves her Mommy's milk! Thanks, Carol you were a lifesaver! Emily thanks you too!" - Carolyn
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Austin is now seven months old and Carol is still an important part of our breastfeeding experience. She has been my port in the storm and has been helpful on a range of issues from finding nursing pillows, bras and pumps to collaborating with my doctors to resolve medical issues. Carol has given us the gift of guidance without judgment; after providing the most current medical facts and research as well as sharing what has worked for other breastfeeding mothers, Carol helps us sort though the options to determine what is right for us. Carol's unique sensitivity, knowledge, commitment and love made it possible for me to breastfeed Austin -- an experience I will treasure forever." - Nan
"I cannot even begin to say enough wonderful things about Carol. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was searching for a Symphony Breastpump to rent. I could not find one here so I did an online search and www.breastbabyproducts.com website came up and I contacted Carol about the pump. She was so fast to reply and sent my pump out so quickly. She also included a great deal of handouts in the shipment which were so informative. The pump is wonderful and has allowed me to maintain lactation with ease.
Providing my son with breastmilk is very important to me but it has been a great struggle. I have battled latch problems, overactive letdown and a very persistent case of thrush. Carol has taken the time to give me consistent, practical and accurate advice and a great support system. Her patience and kindness are remarkable. Without her encouragement, many days I might have just given up. Thank you Carol for helping me to provide my son with the greatest gift I can give him; MY MILK!" - Sincerely, Kelly
"Thank you for everything you have done for Caleb and I. You saved us several times. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to repay you. I know this is your business but you never made me feel like I was just another client. You made me feel like a friend. I know we will have a long relationship in the future. You are a special person." - Madeline
"I am still so grateful for the pump. Despite continued help, my baby still has trouble with an effective transfer of milk from the breast and she does a large amount of chewing when nursing. So, I pump for feedings and give it to her in a bottle, and we nurse for comfort and cuddle time. It satisfies both of us at this point. I am lucky that I have a very good milk supply, and I am freezing 12-18oz per day. At this rate, I’m hoping that I can cut back the frequency of pumping at about her 6 month birthday and still have her exclusively on breast milk for the first year. She will be four months this week, and she has not had anything other than breast milk! If my situation could help any woman stay the course of providing breast milk to her baby, I’m all for it.. Thanks" - Hannah (from North Carolina)
Here's a second note from Hannah - "Ruthie is 8 1/2 months now, and I've cut down my pumping to only 3 times per day, but I'm still producing 25-30 ounces, and I have about 1,500 ounces in the deep freezer, so I think it is time I saved myself a little bit of money by returning my Symphony and just finishing out with my Medela Pump-N-Style. I have so loved that Symphony that I think I have bonded with it — what a superior piece of equipment."
"Going to Carol was my last resort after reading many books and seeing other lactation consultants. I desperately wanted to nurse my son, but due to his difficulty in latching on properly and my low milk supply, it just was not working. ...I was impressed with the depth of knowledge that Carol shared with me during my consultations. Her encouragement and skill has enabled me to successfully nurse my baby. I would encourage anyone that is having difficulties with nursing to seek out her assistance. Carol's expertise has allowed me to give a gift to my son that I will forever be grateful." - Tina
"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! Since meeting with you, Isabella has been able to sleep 4 1/2 hours during the night and only wakes up for a 3am feeding and a 6am feeding!! I have been using the latch technique that you showed us and feeding her every 2 hours, even if I have to wake her up. She has been content and alert for a bit of the day as well. I can't thank you enough for showing me the proper feeding technique!! I will truly share this with Chris and the other mothers from our Bradley group. You are TRULY a miracle worker and it was worth every penny." - Selange and Isabella