Wow... you aren't the friendliest bunch are you!!??
I would like to start by saying that yes... this is a genuine post (and why wouldn't it be??). I am quite shocked by some of the responses to my posting and have decided to reply, although I can't believe I am having to defend myself on a website dedicated to mums sharing experiences and info with one another!
Fussymum; you have obviously never had serious breast feeding problems nor met Clare personally. I also think your reply was pointless and needless. Perhaps Clare does not adhere to the breast feeding ideals that you do - but if they work what is the problem??
Teilosmummy; I think it is quite dangerous to make such harsh and insulting comments to someone you don't know. You have no idea about the motivation for my actions. To say that I have been "very cruel to your little one" simply because my posting "bugged" you and you "couldn't let it go".. honestly, how dare you. I persisted with the breast feeding (as well as topping up with formula) because it was obvious to me that my mm could breast feed but there was some problem. Although I admit that if I had to do it all again I would do some things differently (hindsight is a wonderful thing), as a first time mum I was following the advice given to me by my obstetrician and midwife. It was only when I decided to stop listening to everyone else and follow my own instincts that I tracked down Clare, who spotted the tongue tie immediately. Thank goodness I didn't have people like you to listen to or else I would have given up at the first hurdle. It is quite easy to sit back and judge, but as a mother of 5 I would think your time would be a lot better spent offering helpful advice and support to those of us who are just starting out.
Kathryn34; In response to your "why the hell would you fly from Spain for breast feeding advice"? Because I was desperate. I had received so much conflicting and useless advice from the professionals here that I decided to go and speak to someone who specialised in breast feeding. And I am so glad I did. With regards to the thrush; if you have never had it before why would you know what to look for?? I had no idea you could get thrush in the nipples/milk ducts!!!
Julicka100; thank you for your support!
To those people who are reading this and deciding to never post their own experience because of fear of being criticised, please do! If it wasn't for Imperfectmummy's posting about her breast feeding experience I would never have known how to get in contact with Clare.
I think it is important to support one another and offer helpful advice rather than pointless criticism... isn't that the point of these forums?? Good luck to all those mums struggling on with breast feeding!!! If you need some practical help, I can highly recommend Clare Byam-cook!!!