By Dr. Leigh Siergiewicz
Shortly after I finished my naturopathic degree at Bastyr, I took a 45-hour course to become a certified lactation educator to round out the women-focused practice I planned on starting, as well as for my personal future plans to have children. Two years later, I had my first child and learned first-hand what a formidable task breastfeeding really is.
It’s incredible how much scrutiny women get for the way they feed their babies. Some use formula alone, others combine milk and formula, some women nurse from the breast exclusively, and still others pump exclusively and bottle feed, all for various reasons. A smaller number nurse for years, until the child stops on their own, which is called natural term weaning.
What is biologically normal and what is socially accepted are at odds. Many people are shocked to learn that most health organizations recommend a minimum of two years breastfeeding. Despite this recommendation, women are scrutinized for nursing for what some uninformed people think is too long. Others are criticized for stopping too early, but they may have wanted to continue if they had the necessary support.
I only discovered how common (and normal!) it is to nurse both a toddler and a new baby at the same time after I unexpectedly found myself doing it. My own breastfeeding journey has left me frequently surprised at where it can lead.
I know a lot of women travel off-Island for breastfeeding support, so I decided to start my own drop-in monthly support group. Women and their nursling of any age can come for support and community. I can help with the basic mechanics of nursing, discussing nutrition for moms, solid food introduction for babies, and supplements and medication safety while nursing.
Finally, this group is meant to build community for women, normalizing their own experience and giving the information needed to fact-check the busybodies in your life who need to mind their own business if your baby-feeding is working for your family.
Occasionally, some women or babies have very complex difficulties that are beyond my expertise. In that case, seeking out further help from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is helpful. They are the most comprehensively trained experts in lactation.
I’ve been nursing more time than I ever expected I would, and although it is hard, it is incredibly special, and I want to support women to continue (or stop!) for whatever amount of time is best for them.
My monthly group (and my office) is at the Tree of Life Wellness Center, across the street from Subway. The next group is August 31, 11 am to 12:15. For future months, check their website at vashonislandtreeoflife.com, under “Classes and Events,” for the most up-to-date times. Cost is $5-20, sliding scale.
Dr. Leigh Siergiewicz is a naturopathic doctor practicing independently since 2018 working with women and children. She moved to Vashon in 2021 when her husband wanted to return to his home island to raise kids near his family. Visit her website: Betulanaturopathic.com.
