Dear Matrika Moms and Dads:
Regardless of how you choose to feed your baby, the fact that this product is available on the market should concern you. It concerns me.
This product makes the claim that “they” (a computer provides a statistical analysis report) can tell you whether or not your milk supply is adequate by analysing information you send them regarding the amount collected while pumping (expressing) milk over a three and a half hour period.
My heart breaks thinking about any new mom who is concerned about her milk supply, purchases this product and either finds that she can’t pump milk or becomes upset with the results. Moms and Dads, this product is a computer program and not a reliable resource! Please, if you have any concerns at all about your supply, you owe it to yourself and to your baby to contact a reliable HUMAN resource who can weigh your baby, watch you nurse, and address all of your concerns in a personalized way. Take advantage of breastfeeding hotlines, FREE La Leche League meetings in your area or by contacting your doula, midwife, doctor, lactation consultant or your child’s pediatrician.
The BEST way to tell if your supply is “adequate” is by looking at baby, checking baby’s weight and looking at other signs (like number of wet or poopy diapers). A crying or fussy baby could mean a LOT of things, but is unlikely to be about “supply.” A lactation consultant can help you with positioning your baby, using a pump effectively or to address breastfeeding challenges, timing, switching breasts, latch and even when to decide that supplementation is necessary.
You are NOT alone! But a product like this only prays on your deepest fears that you are not adequate enough—either as a milk producer, a mother, a family, a provider, etc. Being the parent of a newborn is not easy and breastfeeding may be “natural,” but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to learn how to do it! You and your baby and your support system are a great team together and with the right help you will work any challenges that you have out in the best way for you and your family. You don’t need this product. If you do purchase this product, you are helping someone make a living from your fear and the fear of thousands of other women, mothers, fathers and families.
If you are local in Pittsburgh and are having a hard time getting the support you need for breastfeeding challenges, please contact:
FREE RESOURCE #1: The Breastfeeding Help Line, (412) 247-1000, provides counseling daily, including weekends and holidays, from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Lactation Consultants work with pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to educate them on the benefits of breastfeeding and help them establish and continue breastfeeding.
FREE RESOURCE #2: La Leche League of Pennsylvania, check this website for lists of free meetings near you
RESOURCE #3: Kids Plus Pediatrics/Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, call 412-246-4726.
RESOURCE #4: Call your doula, your midwife or your doctor if you have concerns about breastfeeding. If you have ANY concerns about your baby’s well-being, then you should call your infant’s pediatrician or family doctor that is caring for your newborn. They can evaluate your baby for signs that they either are or are not getting adequate nutrition. Don’t be shy and follow your intuition. If you have concerns, take those concerns to a qualified professional who can really help you. Your investment in a co-pay is going to be way more beneficial than your investment in a computer program!
Taking prenatal yoga classes, preparing for childbirth, having a doula for your birth and postpartum support, attending La Leche League meetings during your pregnancy to connect with support groups before you need them and connecting with other new moms at your church, community center or at mom and baby yoga classes or postpartum classes provided by your hospital, community center or private studio are all wonderful ways to feel strong and prepare for your emotional, physical and spiritual needs.
If this product concerns you, please don’t just “get mad”—use the power of your pocketbook and your words. Don’t buy it and send UpSwing Baby Customer Service an e-mail and let them know what you think: customerservice@upswingbaby.com.
This post is written by Sharon Rudyk, a birth doula and prenatal and postnatal yoga instructor based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To find out more about my fertility, pregnancy and postpartum services, please check my website www.sharonrudykyoga.com . If you can’t find the help you need, please call me at (412) 855-5692 and I will help you locate appropriate and reliable resources in your area. I am not a lactation consultant or breastfeeding coach, but I do know how to support you in getting the information and help you need.
