Anyone attended a breastfeeding support group?

jlb08 · October 2011

I've been facing some major frustration regarding breastfeeding and, after only 11 days, I'm feeling defeated and ready to quit. The only thing keeping me going is the bonding time that it gives me with DS and the knowledge that it's the best thing for him.

I know that the hospital offers a weekly breastfeeding support group and have considered going, but I have no idea what to expect. I'm sure every group is a bit different, but has anyone attended something like this? Can you share a little about the experience, how it was led, and if you felt it was helpful?

Thanks in advance!

tokenhoser · October 2011

I go to both a group put on by my health region (Breastfeeding Cafe) and La Leche League meetings.

The Breastfeeding Cafe is more social - the topics are all baby-focused but not strictly about breastfeeding. A LC facilitates the group, and there is a time at the beginning for questions and she encourages the other moms to also share what they've learned or been through.

La Leche is more bf-ing focused and a "crunchier" group of women. The discussion is still facilitated by a leader, and again all the moms are encouraged to help out with ideas if someone has a question.

I always leave feeling more positive. I totally encourage you to go.

What are you frustrated with, specifically?

pepomntpat · October 2011

I attend La Leche League meetings each month. Everyone has a chance to ask questions and more experienced mom's can offer advice and tips. The leaders offer more professional advice. I have found it very helpful and now that Ro is older I like being able to offer advice and experience and just commiseration too.

kitkat145 · October 2011

The BF support group my hospital offers was invaluable to me while I was on maternity leave. I highly recommend you at least check it out. Mine was very informal and led by a lactation consultant from the hospital. They answered any questions moms had or sometimes a discussion was started and we would give opinions/experiences. But, the most helpful thing was the baby scale! I did pre and post feed weights to see how much DD took at the breast. Go! I bet you won't regret it.

littlecookie · October 2011

I go to the bf support group at the hospital I delivered. I love it and think you should definitely try yours out. It cant hurt!

Mine is run by two lactation consultants. We weigh babies when we come in. One of the lc walks around and helps with latching, positioning, and examines nipples if you wish while the other on answers questions people pose to the group. Moms are encouraged to offer their experiences. We weigh after feeding to check transfer, and the final few minutes are just for chatting with other moms. Not only have I gotten much more comfortable bf, but I've met several moms that I've connected with who have LO's around my sons age.

Good luck!

MrsCarroll.6-10-07 · October 2011

GO GO GO GO!!! I swear that is what has let me get through BFing my 2nd this time around. I had no support the first time besides my online friends. I went to a group that is free through another hospital. I didn't even deliver there. I made friends, got to ask questions, help answer questions, do weighed feeds, and we still have weekly meet ups elsewhere. I know all my friends I've met through my BFing group love that they went also.

AmyRI · October 2011

Absolutely go, especially if it is run by a lactation consultant (which I would assume it is at a hospital).

Ours was very informal. The LC helps with latch or answering questions if people other have them. She weighs each baby before and after feeding (difference in weight tells you how much milk they got from you). I went almost every week of my maternity leave to get his before & after weights. The moms that don't need "help" with latch, etc just sit around talking about babies and commiserating about lack of sleep, etc. I made a few friends that I keep in touch with now I'm back to work. It really was wonderful! I miss it.

jlb08 · October 2011

Thanks for the replies and encouragement! I went to a group session this week and loved it. The LC was very reassuring and answered all my questions - and talking to other moms was a great source of comfort and support. So glad I went!

MrsCarroll.6-10-07 · October 2011

jlb08:
Thanks for the replies and encouragement! I went to a group session this week and loved it. The LC was very reassuring and answered all my questions - and talking to other moms was a great source of comfort and support. So glad I went!

So glad to hear this! Keep going if you can! If you make friends there try to continue to meet up outside of the group. We did that with my group and we love it and we add new ladies to the group all the time. We started with 10-15 of us in our LC group and our Facebook group has grown to a network of 400 moms! It has really helped some of us. Good luck!!

Want a personalized experience?

Anyone attended a breastfeeding support group?

Re: Anyone attended a breastfeeding support group?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards