Irene Chow's Breastfeeding Story

The Stats:

Name: Irene Chow
Age: 40
Occupation: Non-profit arts
Children: Two; Bebe (3 1/2 years) and Bruno (1 1/2 years)

TB: Tell us your experience with breastfeeding your children.

IC: Both of them were difficult in the beginning because, of course, I didn’t know what to do, and I just assumed it was going to be very easy. They both clamped onto me so hard, and I was in so much pain. I didn’t know how does anybody breastfeed at all. My babies didn’t know how to latch, and I didn’t know how to help them. Whenever a consultant would work with me at the hospital after the birth, they’d say, ‘Oh look, the baby is doing this just fine.’ Of course, when she went away I didn’t know what to do anymore. I think my children were anxious themselves, so that’s why they were clamping down so hard. The consultant told me they would relax, and they did relax. The second child was easier because I knew it was going to happen, even though he clamped down even harder than the first.

TB: But it all worked out okay?

IC: Yeah, eventually my daughter figured out what to do. I figured out what to do. We figured out our favorite positions. She figured out her favorite boob, and yeah, it worked out.

TB: Why did you decide to breastfeed?

IC: I wanted to give my baby what nature meant for her to eat, and I wanted to bond with my baby. What a wonderful feeling that was. I could never have imagined that kind of closeness with anybody. Also it’s more convenient than bottle feeding.

Having trouble in the beginning stages of breastfeeding? Lactation consultants are a fantastic way to get the help and support you need. We found Irene through our friends at The Pump Station in LA. Watch their web video series “Mommy Matters” for more advice.