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For some new moms, breastfeeding can be an incredible bonding time with their newborn. But it can also be fraught with uncertainty if they are experiencing problems with feeding their baby. It’s reported that mothers who struggle with breastfeeding because they lack confidence in the process are more likely to give up on breastfeeding. One of the reasons experts believe moms lack confidence is the lack of a support system to help them during this demanding time.
The right support group is often more like a team that includes family and friends, lactation consultants, and breastfeeding groups. Here are some tips for finding the support you need.
Ask your partner, family, and friends to support you during breastfeeding
Reach out to family members who have experience in breastfeeding. This could include your own mother or grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and friends. Talking to other moms about their difficulties provides some reassurance that you and your baby will get the hang of breastfeeding sooner than later. They can also help with tips and tricks that worked for them to help your baby latch on properly or deal with sore nipples.
Talk to your partner about how they can support you. Also explain the situation to older kids and get them to help around the house so that you can focus on breastfeeding. There’s so much to do when you have a new baby that moms can be pulled in every direction. Getting a little extra help is imperative in helping you be able to focus and not rush feeding times.
Also note that in some cases, breastfeeding struggles can contribute to postpartum depression (PPD). Be aware of the signs of PPD and contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
Getting help from your doctor and a lactation consultant
Talk to your ob-gyn about concerns you have regarding your breasts and your nipples. Common problems include thrush, mastitis, breast engorgement, or sore nipples. After an examination, your doctor can prescribe any necessary medication to help or refer you to a lactation consultant. A lactation consultant is someone in the nursing profession who specializes in helping moms and babies get into the groove of breastfeeding.
One concern moms have as time goes on is whether or not their baby is getting enough milk. Supply concerns are common, and a lactation specialist can check the latch as well as help build a feeding plan that ensures your baby is getting all the nourishment needed. “My consultant put me on a pumping schedule that helped stimulate my milk supply,” Los Angeles mom Kiera Chan told Mom.com. “While this wasn’t ideal and took a lot of time, it was worth the effort.”
A lactation consultant can help you with latching on issues, work with you to get your baby in an ideal position, and help you address problems such as a low milk supply or sore nipples (usually caused by a bad latch). Most new moms don’t need a lactation consultant for very long and use one to answer questions that come up when you’re new to breastfeeding. A board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) is qualified to also address complicated breastfeeding problems.
During COVID-19, ask your doctor or pediatrician to refer a virtual lactation consultant. Lamaze.org has advice and resources for finding consultants who will set up virtual visits for breastfeeding support.
How to find breastfeeding support groups and resources
Even after you get the hang of breastfeeding, you may find a need for support as you return to work or do more activities away from the house. Many moms still feel a stigma, though they shouldn’t, about breastfeeding in public and don’t always know what their rights are. Having a support group of women who have done it all is helpful.
“Look for local support groups, they often have free breastfeeding support groups where you can get latch evaluations and suggestions to strengthen that bond,” lactation specialist Kesha Tinney Bailey of Blended Baileys, Birth and Babies advised Mom.com. “Virtual support can be great, but there is something to be said for in-person, hands-on support.”
Some popular large support groups with local chapters around the US include:
- La Leche League International: This is an international nonprofit where moms get help from other moms. This is a peer-led organization where group leaders are moms who have already successfully breastfed their babies.
- Nursing Mothers Counsel: A group of professionals and nursing mom peers that offer free lactation counseling services or classes. The group provides lactation training to counselors and nursing professionals who support moms in person, by phone, or via email.
- Breastfeeding USA: A group with the mission of providing evidence-based breastfeeding information to help promote breastfeeding and support moms along the journey.
Support groups are great ways to also make new friends, and may lead to future friendships for your kids as well.
