Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible women in our lives – our mothers. We often search for the perfect material gift, but sometimes the best gifts are not things you can buy in a store. Michelle Fabisch’s story is a beautiful reminder of this, illustrating that the most invaluable gift a mother can receive is often the unwavering support and love from her own mother. In this heartwarming tribute, Michelle shares her journey into motherhood and how her mother’s lifelong dedication to nurturing and guidance became the most precious gift of all, especially when facing the challenges of new motherhood.
Michelle grew up surrounded by conversations about breastfeeding and motherhood. Her mother, Ilene Fabisch, was not just a mom but also an IBCLC and a long-time La Leche League Leader. From a young age, Michelle was immersed in a world that celebrated motherhood and breastfeeding, attending conferences and meetings with her mom. This early exposure was a gift in itself, laying the foundation for her own journey into motherhood. Her mother’s passion and expertise were constantly present, offering a silent promise of support for the future.
When Michelle became pregnant, she experienced what she describes as a “perfect pregnancy and delivery.” Her labor progressed smoothly, culminating in a natural water birth for her daughter, Arava Kai, who arrived weighing a healthy 8 pounds, 2 ounces. However, despite her upbringing and anticipation, breastfeeding didn’t come as easily as expected. Michelle had been warned about an inverted nipple, but she hadn’t foreseen the challenges it would present. The initial days were a blur of latching difficulties, and even the hospital lactation consultant seemed hesitant to offer advice, perhaps due to knowing Michelle’s mother’s profession. This unexpected hurdle highlighted the crucial need for support, a need her mother was perfectly positioned to fulfill.
As Michelle and Arava left the hospital, it was clear that Arava needed milk before Michelle’s milk supply fully established. Drawing on her professional network and deep understanding of infant feeding, Michelle’s mother, Ilene, made an “emergency call” to the milk bank. The very next day, they were able to obtain donor milk, providing a bridge and immense relief during a stressful time. This immediate and effective action was a tangible gift of support, demonstrating a mother’s instinct to nurture and problem-solve for her child, regardless of her daughter’s age. Using donor milk for about a week gave Michelle peace of mind while they worked on Arava’s latch. They explored various techniques, from herbal teas to lactation cookies, and experimented with different holds. Ultimately, a nipple shield proved to be the solution for about a month, until Arava finally mastered latching during their annual La Leche League Labor Day camping trip – a fitting location given her family’s history.
Now, 20 months old, Arava is a thriving toddler and a seasoned breastfeeder, fully embracing the active nursing phase. For Michelle, the experience of nursing her daughter has been as special as she had always imagined. Looking back, Michelle reflects on the countless gifts her mother has given her throughout her life. However, in the context of motherhood, she recognizes that the most profound gift has been her mother’s knowledge, unwavering support, and practical help during her own parenting journey. This Mother’s Day, Michelle expresses her heartfelt gratitude: “My mom has given me so much, but one of the greatest gifts has been giving me the knowledge and help on my journey with my own daughter. Arava and I couldn’t be more appreciative or fortunate. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom; we love you!”
Michelle’s story beautifully illustrates that while material gifts are thoughtful, the best gift for a mother on Mother’s Day, and indeed throughout the year, is often the intangible yet invaluable gift of love, support, and understanding. It’s the gift of a mother’s unwavering presence, guidance, and expertise, passed down through generations. This Mother’s Day, perhaps the most meaningful gesture is to acknowledge and appreciate these enduring gifts that truly make a difference in a mother’s life.
