“Knowing you have a provider like Dr. Brower in your corner will make all the difference.”
— Anthony’s Mom, Lindsey
As a first-time parent, I struggled a great deal with feeling capable and confident with breastfeeding my son [Anthony]. I was unsure about all of it — whether he was getting the nutrients he needed, whether breastfeeding was comfortable for him, and if there was anything I could be doing differently as a mom to make him feel fed and safe. While receiving postpartum care at the hospital, I was given a ton of support by a multitude of professionals. Nurses, lactation consultants and the hospital pediatrician all offered tips and tricks for how to support a good latch and know whether my baby was fed. The problem was, most of the information given was wildly different between providers, and at times conflicting with what I was told earlier in the day.
I left the hospital feeling completely overwhelmed and insecure with breastfeeding and knew that I would need to consult with someone who could help demystify the process I was navigating with my brand-new baby. Knowing his pediatrician could be that person led me to work with Dr. Kelly Brower!
Working With Her Nemours Pediatrician
Dr. Brower has been nothing but kind, patient and supportive to my family and I throughout this process. During Anthony’s first appointment, she made sure to ask questions about all aspects of raising a newborn, including my own thoughts, feelings and questions around breastfeeding.
When I shared my concerns with Dr. Brower, I was met with a non-judgmental and supportive provider who was more than willing to help. During our lactation consultation she made sure to offer tips and strategies to try that would be a good fit for my son and me. She didn’t take a “this is the right way” approach, but instead offered guidance and support while encouraging me to trust my instincts in knowing what would work best for us. She was more than willing to answer any questions my husband or I had about breastfeeding, ensuring my baby was happy and fed.
As we continued to have challenges with breastfeeding and our son’s discomfort after feeds, Dr. Brower performed a test which found a food sensitivity caused by my breast milk. I was given the choice of a highly restrictive diet while breastfeeding or switching my son to a hypoallergenic formula. This decision wasn’t an easy one for me, however it was made less overwhelming due to the support of Dr. Brower. Dr. Brower was an incredible support throughout our decision-making process both from a medical and a mental health perspective all while giving a non-judgmental perspective as both a pediatrician and a mother.
Advice for New Parents
This uncertainty bled into all aspects of my life. I was unsure of my capabilities of being a mother and I felt completely overwhelmed. I had a brand-new baby who, like all newborns, was adjusting to living outside of the womb and I was struggling to know whether I was capable enough to give him the nutrients and nourishment he needed to do so.
[Today] I am feeling very good about our decision and feel confident it was the right choice for my son and my family. Always ask for help! The overwhelming feelings you are having aren’t atypical and knowing you have a provider like Dr. Brower in your corner will make all the difference.
Learn More About Lactation Support and Breastfeeding
Kelly Brower, MD, CLC is a Nemours board-certified pediatrician who also holds the Certified Lactation Counselor® credential (CLC) and located at Nemours Children’s Health, Radnor. Learn more about the Healthy Children Project/Center for Breastfeeding and the CLC certification. For more about lactation and breastfeeding, visit our All About Breastfeeding page which offers articles and answers from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth®.
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