“I met Judy when I was expecting my first when my gynaecologist Dr Reinette Russouw, referred me to a lactation consultant that would be able to assist me with breastfeeding and early latching. At that stage I didn’t have any strong feelings about either breast feeding or formula and didn’t understand the benefits of breast milk or the significant impact breastfeeding has on bonding with your baby. Little did I know that it would be one of the best referrals my doctor could have given me. My little one was born at the Sandton MediClinic and Judy was the first there in the recovery room to assist with latching during the “golden hour” and skin to skin while I was in pain. Being first time parents neither myself nor my husband knew about the importance of quick latching and of course more importantly how to latch, I still believe if it wasn’t for Judy I would never have breastfed. Also no one explained that being a c-section mother your milk flow only comes in much later than the mothers who had normal birth and Judy provided me with very valuable advice, support and know-how in this regard -if not for her I would have just given up due the fact that I didn’t have enough milk and would have preferred to the stick with the formula top ups as provided in the maternity ward instead of sticking it out and persevering with the breast feeding. During my stay in the maternity ward Judy assisted with all my questions and not only provided me with practical support but also moral support and encouragement explaining the benefits. It came as quite a surprise to me that breastfeeding is indeed an acquired skill and does not come as natural as everyone said. Unfortunately my daughter was admitted to the neonatal ICU due to an infection and she had to stay 10 days. It was really intimidating to breastfeed in the ICU environment with all the people and monitors around your baby, I was so grateful for Judy to help me and as she was previously a neonatal nurse as well, she gave me such confidence and help. During that period I felt that the only care and contact I could provide my little one was during our breast feeding sessions which also provided me with some very needed bonding time during a very difficult period for us – once again if not for Judy and her support I would have just given up and robbed my daughter and myself of the benefits of breastfeeding– not only the nutritional aspect of it but almost more important the bonding side with mommy. I will always be grateful to her for it. Following her admittance to neonatal my daughter has never had any serious illnesses that require hospitalisation or long periods off from school and I truly believe this is as a result of the benefits of breast feeding. Judy remained supportive and when I needed help to introduce solids she was also there with such valuable advise – the transition was seamless.
With the birth of my second daughter I approached Judy again as I wanted her to also have the best possible start in life – and Judy was there again waiting for me in the recovery room and assisting when neither myself nor my husband would have been any good at it especially being in pain after the c-section – breast feeding does not come naturally it’s an acquired skill. Judy was there once again with new technical advice on latching, moral support and this time even more assistance with my milk supply and getting it established even earlier. She was very supportive, came for a few follow up visits and stayed in contact via whatsapp with constant sound advice and encouragement. Once again if it wasn’t for Judy I would definitely not have breastfed.
Thank you Judy for all your help, advice and just moral support and encouragement I couldn’t have done it without you and really do feel that I have given my girls the best possible start in life. I will be forever grateful for that!”
Christine Richardson