I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to surround yourself with other breastfeeding women. Whether you are a first time mom or more experienced, there is so much to be gained from friendships with women in the same stage of life. I did not connect with my breastfeeding network until my first child was 6 months old, and I realized after talking with them that there were likely solutions for the breastfeeding problems I faced in his early days if I had just known who to ask for help.
Our children were all born within 7-8 months of each other, and as they moved into toddlerhood, we compared notes on growth, development, and talked potty training, weaning, and getting pregnant again. By the time the photo above was taken, the babies being held are all third children, and we were still learning new things from each other every time we got together.
The breastfeeding moms I am blessed to call friends have helped each other diagnose feeding issues, donated pumped milk to each other in times of illness and low supply, lifted each other up in prayer, and provided countless other gifts in the form of things like babysitting, freezer meals, and mommy dates. Truly, mothering has been significantly easier because of them.
Where to Find Your Own Breastfeeding Network
The majority of my breastfeeding network met at a breastfeeding support group in a local hospital. Interestingly, I delivered my babies elsewhere—which is why I didn’t meet them until he was 6 months old. Still, the hospital’s lactation consultants and the other moms in the group welcomed me with open arms.
Here are some ideas for where to look for your own breastfeeding support network:
La Leche League – For more than 50 years, La Leche League International has been providing education and support regarding all things breastfeeding for families and health care providers. Most communities have active La Leche League groups that meet for support and information. And the LLL website has a wealth of advice and resources. To get connected, contact a local La Leche League leader.
Hospitals and Birth Centers – As I mentioned above, you may be able to join a breastfeeding class or support group in a local hospital or birth center, even if you did not deliver your baby there. Set aside some time to make some calls to find out what is available and ask any other moms you meet in birth or prenatal exercise classes if they have any resources for you. I loved meeting at the hospital because we had ready access to Lactation Consultants, an infant scale (for weighing before and after feedings), and other breastfeeding helps.
Find a Lactation Consultant or Counselor – It’s a good idea to have already established contact with a “Lactation Professional” even before the birth of your baby. Include a few numbers for local consultants on your contact list for the hospital bag. Just like any care provider, you may click more with one than another or even find that you need a second opinion, so don’t hesitate to utilize more than one person. To find a registered lactation professional in your area, call your hospital or birth center, or search online databases like these at the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), WIC Breastfeeding Coordinators listings, and LC listings at Lactivist.com.
Find a Breastfeeding Network Online – I am so thankful that the Internet makes the world such a smaller place! Before I found my amazing group of local friends, I spent a lot of time on blogs and online forums fellowshipping with women who understood new motherhood. Online support does have its limitations, but it’s wonderful to have a (very large!) sounding board! One of my favorite online breastfeeding resources is KellyMom.com. We also hope you find a regular source of encouragement here at Breastfeeding Place. We’d love for you to ask questions and lend support to your fellow moms on our Breastfeeding Place Facebook Page.
Start Your Own Group – If you feel like your community is lacking in resources, you are likely not the only one. Consider starting your own Breastfeeding Network or Support Group, formally or informally. You can start by opening your home to other moms on a regular date for tea and talking. You may also want to contact your local hospital or birth center to see if they need someone to coordinate a group. Often all that is needed is a willing leader.
I recently moved from Kansas City to Alaska and had to start over with a new support network. I found my place in the breastfeeding group that meets at the birth center here. Again, I didn’t deliver there but was heartily welcomed. And even though I am a seasoned nursing mother now, one of my first interactions with a new breastfeeding mommy friend brought about an epiphany about some discomfort I’ve been having with my third child. I’m so thankful for her perspective and individual life experiences! Who knows how long I would have toughed it out unnecessarily if I didn’t have a friend to act as a sounding board!
Do you feel like you have an adequate breastfeeding network? Where have you looked to find other breastfeeding moms?
Great tips, Anjanette! I think your last one is my favorite… if you don’t have anything near you, start something! I don’t think that ever would have crossed my mind as a younger mom thinking that I don’t know anything, but you are right on. Just getting lots of ladies together to share stories and experiences helps tremendously, even if you don’t have all of the answers!