How to Get Help and Support With Breastfeeding

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By joyful327
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Get Help and Support With Breastfeeding

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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Phone
Computer
Patience
Determination

Step 1

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.
Step 2

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.
Step 3

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.
Step 4

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.
Step 5

Call your local WIC office. Even if you do not qualify for WIC, they might be able to help you with breastfeeding.
Step 6

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.
Step 7

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.
Step 8

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!
Step 9

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

Comments

bfproblems said

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on 10/10/2009 Believe in yourself, believe that you are capable and the rest will follow.
Also educate yourself, don't just believe what others are saying. Friends, family and sometimes even the nurses or doctors can give the wrong information resulting in you giving up on breastfeeding.

CCrock said

on 4/30/2009 helpful tips! I was so glad to have the lactation consultant at the hospital help me get started! Then when we went home, my daughter had to be on light therapy so the nurse would to home visits and help me out with any problems, questions or concerns. I feel bad for moms who don't get help or support. Especially those whose family members are not supportive.

momofour said

on 8/16/2008 I breastfed all four of my kids and loved everything about it. I actually still miss it and my youngest is 7 years old. I would encourage any new mom to at least try it for a couple of weeks. It can be frustrating at first but the benefits and bonding are worth it. Great informaion in your article! Thanks for sharing!