Hillary Overcomes Mastitis With Help of New Beginnings Boutique

Elizabeth "Ellie" Ruth

After the birth of her daughter, Ellie, Hillary developed mastitis and had difficulty breastfeeding. With the help of associates at the New Beginnings Boutique at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, Hillary received the support she needed. The following is a thank-you letter sent to the supervisory staff at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital.

On Dec. 8, 2009, my daughter Elizabeth “Ellie” Ruth was born. When it came to breastfeeding, I was overwhelmed with how hard it was! I almost gave up many times.

About 12 weeks along, I developed mastitis and my supply diminished in an instant. Since I could not get the baby to latch on, I was pumping and hardly an ounce came out. I didn’t know what to do. I had attended some of the breastfeeding support groups, but this was a Saturday morning. So, I called the New Beginnings Boutique looking for help as I was ready to quit. I had no idea one simple call could help me recover.

Colette Greenberg, a lactation educator at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, remained calm with me as I was in a bit of a panic on the other end of the line. Within minutes, she had calmed me down and helped me create a plan of attack.

The following day, I had another question (and I think I was just looking for reassurance), and Diana Jones, another lactation educator, answered the line. She was very supportive and suggested I rent a pump from the boutique. What a difference this made. I truly credit the portable pump she recommended for helping me regain my supply. It’s heavy, but I love how quiet it is. It’s worth the price to have a good quality pump. I was also fortunate enough to reach yet another lactation educator, Margaret Goebel, a couple times and she was also very encouraging.

On another occasion, I had a question as to whether my baby was self-weaning. "No," Margaret said. "This is very normal." She gave me the confidence to continue to do what I was doing.

All of the ladies in the boutique have been friendly, but it is so special that Colette, Diana and Margaret have been such an integral part of my breastfeeding experience. They are always there at the other end of the line and make time for the callers. You can tell there is a passion and pride in their voice and they are so informative on every topic. They really put my mind at ease.

One day, I popped in to get Ellie weighed. There was a new mom in there crying as her baby hadn’t been gaining the “right” amount of weight. I saw your associates hug her and speak to her with sincerity. Being compassionate is just part of who your associates are, and this new mom could not have gone six months (and still going!) without the support of your associates.

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's pregnancy and childbirth services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego OBGYN or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about pregnancy and childbirth, visit Pregnancy and Childbirth in Adult Health or read the Pregnancy and Childbirth News archive.