Growing up, my world was filled with the gentle language of lactation and the quiet strength of motherhood, thanks to my mom, Ilene Fabisch. An esteemed IBCLC and a long-time La Leche League Leader, Mom wasn’t just my mother; she was my first mentor in the beautiful journey of nurturing a child. From childhood play with dolls accompanied by breastfeeding discussions to attending her conferences, motherhood and motherly support were always central themes in my life. Little did I know then how profoundly this early immersion would shape my own motherhood experience and my understanding of the most precious mom gift for Mother’s Day – unwavering support.
A Smooth Start, An Unexpected Turn
My pregnancy unfolded like a textbook example of ease and joy. Even the delivery was almost idyllic. My water broke during a relaxed lunch with my parents, labor progressed smoothly at home, and upon reaching the hospital, I was already significantly dilated. An all-natural water birth followed, a mere eight hours from start to finish, bringing my daughter, Arava Kai, into the world on July 31, 2017, a healthy 8 pounds, 2 ounces.
With my lifelong exposure to breastfeeding, I naively assumed it would be intuitive and effortless. “Natural,” after all, should equate to “easy,” right? My midwife had mentioned a slightly inverted nipple, but I dismissed it as a minor detail. The initial days post-birth, however, were a whirlwind of frustration. Arava struggled to latch, and the hospital lactation consultant seemed hesitant to offer extensive advice, perhaps due to my mother’s prominent role in the lactation community.
When Mom’s Expertise Became the Ultimate Gift
We were discharged from the hospital before my milk fully came in. My mom, recognizing the urgency to feed Arava and preempting any pressure to use formula, sprang into action. Having connections with the nascent milk bank, she made an emergency call. The very next day, we gratefully received donor milk. This liquid gold was administered to Arava through an SNS at-breast supplementer, bridging the gap while we navigated the latching challenges.
Donor milk became an unexpected yet invaluable mom gift for Mother’s Day, arriving just in time. It offered immense peace of mind during a stressful period as we diligently explored solutions for Arava’s latch. We experimented with various techniques, from herbal teas and lactation cookies to different nursing holds. Ultimately, a nipple shield proved to be the key, used for about a month. Serendipitously, Arava mastered her latch during our annual La Leche League Labor Day camping trip – a fitting milestone in our breastfeeding journey.
The Enduring Legacy of a Mother’s Gift
Now 20 months old, Arava is a confident toddler, a nursing pro deeply entrenched in the acrobatic nursing phase typical of her age. For years, I had envisioned the experience of nursing my own child, and the reality is even more profound and special than I had imagined.
My mother has enriched my life in countless ways. Yet, among the myriad gifts she has bestowed, the knowledge and unwavering support she provided during my early motherhood stand out as the most cherished mom gift for Mother’s Day and beyond. Arava and I are eternally grateful for her guidance and love. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom; we love you deeply!
Consider honoring a special woman in your life this Mother’s Day, perhaps someone who has supported your own parenting journey or simply a remarkable mother you admire. A meaningful mom gift for Mother’s Day could be a donation in their name to organizations that champion mothers and babies, celebrating the nurturing spirit of motherhood.
