Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible women in our lives, and while traditional gifts are lovely, sometimes the greatest gifts are the ones you can’t wrap. For Michelle Fabisch, the most profound Mother’s Day gift she ever received wasn’t a physical item, but a lifetime of unwavering support and knowledge from her own mother, Ilene, especially during her breastfeeding journey.
Growing up, Michelle was immersed in the world of lactation and motherhood. Her mother, Ilene Fabisch, an IBCLC and long-time La Leche League Leader, made breastfeeding a familiar and celebrated part of their lives. Michelle fondly remembers attending La Leche League meetings and conferences with her mom, experiences that laid the foundation for her own motherhood journey. Unbeknownst to her then, this early exposure was an invaluable gift, preparing her for the challenges and joys of nursing her own child.
A Smooth Start, Unexpected Hurdles
Michelle’s pregnancy and delivery were, in her words, “as close to perfect as I could have dreamed.” An efficient labor culminating in a natural water birth brought her daughter, Arava Kai, into the world on July 31, 2017. Initially, breastfeeding seemed like it would be a natural extension of this smooth start. Having been around breastfeeding her entire life, Michelle anticipated an easy transition. However, a minor detail mentioned by her midwife – an inverted nipple – turned out to be a significant hurdle.
The first few days post-partum were a blur of latching difficulties. Arava struggled, and the hospital lactation consultant, possibly aware of Ilene’s professional standing, seemed hesitant to intervene directly. Leaving the hospital before her milk fully came in, Michelle faced the real possibility of needing to supplement with formula, something she hoped to avoid.
The Gift of Donor Milk and Expert Guidance
Recognizing the urgency, Michelle’s mother, Ilene, stepped in with a truly invaluable gift: access to donor milk. Drawing on her past work with the forming milk bank, Ilene made an emergency call. The very next day, Michelle was able to pick up donor milk, providing Arava with the nourishment she needed through an SNS at-breast supplementer.
This access to donor milk was more than just sustenance; it was a gift of peace of mind during a stressful time. It bought Michelle and Arava precious time to work through the latching challenges. They explored various methods – herbal teas, lactation cookies, different holds – eventually finding success with a nipple shield for about a month. Fittingly, Arava mastered her latch during their annual La Leche League Labor Day camping trip, a testament to the supportive environment her mother had cultivated.
A Mother’s Enduring Legacy of Support
Now 20 months old, Arava is a thriving toddler and a “pro nurser,” navigating the energetic “toddler gymnastic nursing phase.” For Michelle, breastfeeding her daughter has been everything she had hoped for and more – a deeply special and bonding experience.
Looking back, Michelle reflects on the myriad gifts her mother has given her throughout her life. However, the knowledge, support, and resources Ilene provided during her breastfeeding journey stand out as particularly significant. These weren’t just helpful tips; they were the keys to unlocking a fulfilling breastfeeding experience and strengthening the bond with her daughter. For Michelle, the greatest gift for Mother’s Day is undoubtedly the unwavering support and love of a mother like Ilene.
This Mother’s Day, consider the profound impact of motherly support in all its forms. If you know a woman who has been a source of strength and guidance in your parenting journey or life, consider honoring her with a donation to Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast in her name. It’s a meaningful way to pay tribute to the invaluable gifts mothers give every day.
