{I'm trying to type this while my daughter is removing my socks.}

I have such mixed feelings about lactation consultants. They rarely seem like reasonable people and only add to the stress and feelings of inadequacy.

But you are truly one of the kindest friends out there.

 

Thanks, SMID! You're right about the lactation consultants. The one I had was great and was the person who told me not to breastfeed and that my kids would be fine. However, I've heard from others that not everyone has such a positive experience.

 

Yes, playdating is so hard! The ones we've had so far (that would be two) I've taken the kid home from school in my car and the parent picks up later. These kids are 5. I think 4-5 is when drop-off playdates start --maybe? Ugh, who knows!

 

The lactation consultant I had with my daughter was great. My daughter still didn't breastfeed, but the lady was nice. (Didn't need the consultant with #2.)

As for playdates, we usually drop off and pick up our own kid if we are not staying and having a mommy playdate too. We figure it's the least we can do if we're getting some kid-free time.

 

I found I had to connect with multiple LCs before I found the one who really worked for me. All gave me some good advice, but not all were the right fit.

Yes, my first 8 weeks of bf'ing were much harder than my 32 hour labor without pain medication. That I knew had an end in sight. The bf'ing struggles had no guaranteed end in sight. I'm glad I stuck it out, and bf'in did get magically easy after a while, but I have such a different perspective now on the subject. I'll be honest in saying I'm sad when people don't try it or aren't aware of the benefits, but I truly understand when people are not able to make it work.

And I, too, have made LC references and other bf'ing resources one of my new mom gifts!