Finding Support for Breastfeeding

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

Recent discussions on the forums have made me realize that many new mothers lack support when attempting to breastfeed. Although breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed an infant, it doesn't always come naturally. Many of us have no one in our lives with breastfeeding experience. Finding support is crucial to success for the new mother. There are many ways to find information and support, but you need to know where to look.

Breastfeeding Classes

Most hospitals offer a breastfeeding class to expectant mothers. Ask your doctor or telephone the hospital for information and to register. Taking a breastfeeding class is a good way to get basic information and prepare for breastfeeding your newborn.

Lactation Consultants

Lactation Consultants are professionals trained in breastfeeding support. They will help you learn to nurse your baby. Many are either nurses or La Leche League leaders. Many hospitals offer a lactation consultant, but not all hospitals have them. There was no lactation consultant at the hospital where my third baby was born. Ask if one is available at the hospital where you plan to give birth. Others work in a pediatrician's office or in private practice.

Lactation consultants have a few different types of certification. A CLC is a Certified Lactation Consultant. An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. When you see these initials after the person's name, you will know they have been properly trained. Ask your doctor or pediatrician for a referral. You can also find lactation consultants through La Leche League or the International Lactation Consultant Association. Their website is www.ilca.org.

Join La Leche League

La Leche League is an international organization dedicated to breastfeeding. The leaders are volunteers with both personal experience and training. The group is an excellent source of ongoing support for breastfeeding mothers. They offer information and support to help you be successful and continue to breastfeed longer. They can help you get over rough patches that you may encounter.

Visit the website www.lalecheleague.org to find a local group in your area. The website also has articles and information on breastfeeding and breastfeeding supplies. Go to a few meetings during your pregnancy. When you join, you will have access to the lending library with books and information on breastfeeding. In addition, you will meet other breastfeeding mothers and leaders who will be wiling to help you be successful in learning to breastfeed.

Find a Supportive Pediatrician

It's important to have a knowledgeable and supportive pediatrician when attempting to breastfeed. When you interview your pediatrician, ask about breastfeeding. You will be able to tell a lot about his attitude by asking questions. When I interviewed a pediatrician for my first baby, I could tell right away that he was a breastfeeding advocate. He talked about the importance of breastfeeding and told me he had five children who were all breastfed. I knew right away that he was the one for me.

Not all pediatricians are knowledgeable about breastfeeding. Some have received little or no training on this subject. The American Academy of Pediatrics has been advocating for more training for doctors. Some are very quick to suggest formula with the slightest problem, rather than encouraging mothers and helping them build their supply.

Books about Breastfeeding:

* The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins

* The Breastfeeding Book by William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN

* The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding La Leche League

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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