For what, exactly? There’s a chance she could have undiagnosed hypoplastic breasts or undiagnosed breast cancer, but I have a feeling that’s not what the doula was talking about here…

Well actually the doc can check for inverted nipples and if certain things are started before delivery it reduces the chances of problems of baby latching after birth.

Don’t you just wish this were a movie? The script would then read, “Oh, great idea! I’ll bring my nursing bras, my Avent Isis, those little pads in case there any leakage, my tube of Lansinoh and a curvy pillow. That’s what you meant, right?”

:-b

Hmmm, yeah that is a bit odd. It would have probably been more productive for her to suggest asking about inverted nipples. I was concerned my nipples might be a bit flat before my first. I wore breast shells (NOT nipple shields) during my last few weeks, and whether they actually did anything or not, I successfully breastfed 5 kids.

Shouldn’t the Doula be trained enough in breastfeeding to be able tel her if she would have any possible problems or if everything looked fine for breastfeeding, “equipment” wise. When I was looking into Doula training I thought I saw that as part of the training.

Courtney, I see your point, but sheesh. It’s just a weird thing to say. Oh behalf of doulas everywhere, *pthbbt*

I don’t think this one is such a big deal…at least not compared to some of the other atrocities that pop up on this website.

DONA requires breastfeeding training… I know I have never said anything like this, though. If a first-time mother, or first-time breastfeeder asks questions prenatally, I let them know what’s what and refer them to appropriate resources for further information. I don’t think I would ever tell anyone to “check their equipment” as that (for me anyway) has a connotation that something is “wrong.” :-\

There are some really lame doulas out there giving a bad name to the rest of the hardworking, knowledgeable bunch. (Unfortunately mine was one of those that sucked, but I know that I probably had the only bad one in the entire city!)

I realize that sometimes there are physical things like inverted nipples…however I’m fairly certain that is not what she meant. I had been leaking milk already for a couple of months, and she wanted me to have a breast exam with the OB to ensure that I would be able to breastfeed…
She also told me to use a towel to “toughen up” my nipples after my shower each day.

Mommy Bee (the one who submitted the story): … she wanted me to have a breast exam with the OB to ensure that I would be able to breastfeed…She also told me to use a towel to “toughen up” my nipples after my shower each day.

HUH???? You should report this to her certifying organization. When my first child was born in 1998 I was taught that “any advice to toughen your nipples is outdated. You don’t need to do that.” I’m guessing from your blog that your children are younger, so the advice was DEFINITELY out of date.