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How to Get Help and Support With Breastfeeding

Get Help and Support With Breastfeeding

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Experts agree that breastfeeding is one of the best gifts you can give your baby. However, many moms have lots of problems and frustrations with breastfeeding - this article outlines some of the ways to find encouragement and support.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Phone
Computer
Patience
Determination

Step1

If you are pregnant, or even if you've already had the baby, enroll in a breastfeeding class. They are often offered by hospitals. Call your local hospital for more information. If you can't find one there, ask your doctor where you might be able to take one.

Step2

Call a La Leche League director and go to a local meeting. Visit www.laleche.org to find your nearest group. In some cases, La Leche Leaders will come to your home to help.

Step3

Find a lactation specialist / consultant. You might find one through your hospital, or ask your doctor for recommendations. You might also find one on http://www.ilca.org/ or http://www.breastfeeding.com/- however, not all Lactation Consultants are listed.

Step4

Find and hire a doula. Doulas help with many aspects of childbirth and pregancy, including breastfeeding. Visit http://www.dona.org/ and click on "find a doula" on the left.

Step5

Call your local WIC office. Even if you do not qualify for WIC, they might be able to help you with breastfeeding.

Step6

Sometimes midwives might be willing to help with breastfeeding, even if they did not deliver your baby. Find a local midwife at www.midwife.org or http://birthpartners.com.

Step7

Get help online. Visit the La Leche boards (www.laleche.org), as well as other sites such as http://www.breastfeeding.com, and http://www.kellymom.com/ and http://www.promom.com. Some of the sites have breastfeeding videos, which are very helpful. You can also join Breastfeeding message boards on sites included CafeMom, iVillage and Baby Center.

Step8

If you have a close friend or sister who has experience with breastfeeding, perhaps ask her for advice and to help you. It never hurts to ask!

Step9

Try your best and take it one moment at a time!

Resources

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Comments

showpup said

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on 4/18/2008 I wish I had this type of support when I was first a new mommy. I tried SOOO hard but would get slightly bloody nipples and even my doctor couldn't help me so I had to throw in the towel. Still a huge regret for me.

khopkins75 said

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on 4/16/2008 Wonderful article!! Might come in handy in near future!!

amylaine said

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on 4/16/2008 This is wonderful info I wish I had this before I had my first born. Remember even if you do not get time to look up all the information before you have you baby, you can still breast feed. Most hospitals have nurses just to teach mothers about breast feeding. And don't stress over it, breast feeding usually comes naturally to infants. My first son latch on a started eating when I had no clue what to do. It's that natural. But at the same time it is wonderful to have these support groups available, there will be challenging moments as with everything at times.
Great Article 5 stars

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