We all know that breast is best for our babies. What we do not realize is that some babies come into this world with injuries or challenges that prevent them from successfully breastfeeding. I work with these babies everyday at the office. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a baby and mom find their breastfeeding groove and being a small part of helping that happen. Breastfeeding as natural and instinctual as it may be, is not always easy!
My own daughter, Marissa, was no exception. Marissa was born through a very long and difficult labor and delivery process. She was born at home with the help of a midwife. The process took 29 hours and would never have been allowed in a hospital setting. Significant cranial stresses resulted in dysfunction of her temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This resulted in a very painful latch when she was at the breast. I can still vividly remember my wife crying almost every time when it was time to nurse. I ran out late one evening to our local drug store to purchase a hand pump. Our daughter had one bottle of pumped milk on day 3 of life. She never took a bottle again after that!
