Breastfeeding support group - how do they work?

Shema N

On another thread someone suggested I visit a breastfeeding support group in my area which I plan on doing.

I know this sounds like a weird question, but what happens at these support groups? I'm assuming it's a very supportive environment and women share their issues, practice latching techniques etc with the LCs at the group? Should I buy some kind of cover or is it OK to go topless? I want to observe proper etiquette! 

JuneBug86

The support group I used to go to was simply a group at a local family center met once per week. It was for moms who breastfed. There was comfy chairs and you just sat around, chatted about whatever (not necessarily always talked about BF'ing) and there was a LC there if people had any questions. I would say about half used a cover when they BF, one or two left the room if they BF'ed because they weren't comfortable BF'ing in public. Whatever you decided was welcome.

pb_bride

At the hospital where I delivered, they offer BF support group 2x/wk.  I've gone twice so far since LO was born.  Pillows & nursing stools are provided (in case you're wondering... my first time there I brought my own My Brest Friend since I didn't know).  Each session is attended by an LC from the hospital.  

There is also a scale so you can weigh your LO before and after feeding.  No one wore a cover (tho I did bring one w/me on my first time but I didn't use it).  Most moms just pull up their shirts; some wear nursing tanks.  The LC walks around the room to check on your latch, and answers any Qs you might have.

Since it's a drop-in session, there are moms w/LOs of varying age. It's fun to chat w/more experienced moms. 

tokenhoser

My group had a parenting topic every week, with guest speakers sometimes. Like introducing solids, how to use a baby carrier, benefits of reading to your baby, sign language, etc. Before and/or after the topic of the week, there was a general discussion time to ask questions and get help from the LC or from the other moms (for non-technical stuff, like sleep suggestions or just encouragement).

Some moms used a cover, but most didn't. 

aylafsu88

I have been to two different support groups in my area.  The first one I went to I did not like.  It was a big room with chairs and one LC.  There was an assistant who helped you weight your LO (either dressed or undressed) before you nursed.  The group was really big and the LC had a had time getting around to everyone.  It felt like more of a social atmosphere as the LC ended up chatting with moms who came regularly and did not make a point to introduce herself to newcomers. I might have quit BF if this was the only group in my area!

The second group I went to (and still go to) was run much better.  It is in a conference room at the local hospital.  You come in weight LO, then nurse, and weight again after you are done nursing. The LC is amazing and really cares about every mom who comes. The LC runs it more like a class, so you can raise your hand and ask questions.  She does this so everyone will hear the question/answer since it may be helpful to many moms there.  She also makes a point to go around and introduce herself to new attendees and specifically helps newborns/newcomers with their latch and positioning.  I found this to be really helpful because the moms with a newborn really need the most help to keep BFing.  In this group no one uses a cover, we just discretely undo our nursing top and latch LO. No one leaves a boob out in plain view but covers are not required.  There have been several SO or  Hs that have come to the group with their wives/partners.  When a man is in the group women do tend to use their covers more of turn sideways to be more discreet but it is really NBD.

Make sure to find a group/LC that you feel comfortable with so that you get as much as you can from the group.  Also ask around to see if anyone in your area recommends a particular BF support group.  If you have a great support group it makes BF so much easier.

 

greeneyedjess

the one i went to meets once a month.  it's hosted by an ibclc who has a lactation support business.  i love it!  last time, there were 7 of us.  there was a scale set up to do weighed feedings and the LC provided water and snacks.  nobody used a cover.  it was the first time i had nursed in front of anyone and it was a huge confidence boost!

linzeek44

I love the group I've been attending. It is at the hospital and run by two LCs. In one area, you can strip down your LO and do a weighing, and you can do it after a feed too to see how much is transferred. In the other room, we all sit and discuss nursing issues. The LC generally starts with the newcomers and then other moms share concerns. It is a lot of group brainstorming and sharing ideas of what could solve the problem. The LCs will also help individual moms with latching and other issues. We do not have pillows there, so if I needed one, I'd bring my own.

Everyone nurses without a cover, but it would be fine to use a cover if necessary. Most of wear nursing tanks to make it easier, but it is really a "whatever makes you comfortable" thing.