Breastfeeding Resources
Before your baby is born, it is ideal to have your support network already in place. Once you enter the new world of parenthood you will only have small fragments of time to explore and research. Whereas just days or weeks before you could spend at least a half hour exploring the internet, you now have two minutes squeezed between grabbing a snack and changing your baby’s nappies. Childless friends you used to socialize with just don’t understand how much your life has changed. Theirs hasn’t. You may yearn for someone who understands. For many families, this is the time when the new parents grow closer to their own parents. They now share a common bond as nurturers.
But not all families have a built-in support network for all aspects of parenting. Some families, for example, do not have any breastfeeding role models. Others have challenges that are more involved than their family circle can resolve. Where can they turn?
Whether you are looking for a breastfeeding teacher to get you started, a peer to show you the ropes, or if you’re having breastfeeding challenges that require expert guidance, the following list will guide you to some of the key people to look to for help.
But not all families have a built-in support network for all aspects of parenting. Some families, for example, do not have any breastfeeding role models. Others have challenges that are more involved than their family circle can resolve. Where can they turn?
Whether you are looking for a breastfeeding teacher to get you started, a peer to show you the ropes, or if you’re having breastfeeding challenges that require expert guidance, the following list will guide you to some of the key people to look to for help.
Breastfeeding MothersOther mothers who have breastfed can be great resources. Many breastfeeding mothers have good suggestions if the going gets rough. Mothers can become new friends who provide emotional support as well. When talking with a mother who has breastfed, (hopefully winning her for your future support team), get a feeling for how long she breastfed and what her problems were. Remember though, she is not an expert. There are many breastfeeding myths still in the minds of people today, so do your own research to discern her good information from possible misinformation.
La Leche League International (LLLI)
LLLI is an international support group for breastfeeding mothers. Most likely, LLLI has at least one group in your community that meets monthly. You may find them by referral, telephone book, or through their web site. Individual LLLI groups reflect the personality of the leader and the members of that group. You may want to visit a few groups to find the one that suits you best.
“LLL leaders” who receive extensive training through La Leche League International specialize in the normal course of breastfeeding, and in overcoming the range of normal problems. LLLI leaders provide mother–to–mother support at Monthly Series Meetings, discussing topics that are central to breastfeeding and to parenting the breastfed baby. They are also available for phone consultation about breastfeeding. Your LLL leader should be able to tell you when your difficulties require the attention of an IBCLC. Website: http://www.lllusa.org Childbirth EducatorWhen choosing your childbirth educator, be sure to ask how much time is devoted to breastfeeding in class. Breastfeeding education should not be confined to one ½ hour class one night during your birth classes. Learning about birth plans that foster breastfeeding and about how to optimize your time with your baby after birth are very important. A childbirth educator is also a resource for referrals to local support networks and professionals, such as an IBCLC.
Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS)
CIMS is a coalition of professionals focused on using research based birth practices to help mothers and babies have a good and safe birth.
Find out about CIMS and the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Forum www.motherfriendly.org International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
An IBCLC is an internationally board certified lactation consultant accredited through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
If you are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, look for an IBCLC for a diagnosis of your breastfeeding situation. This is one time that toughing it out is not the best plan. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can put a breastfeeding strategy in place and see results. An IBCLC 's training includes at least 2500 hours of practice as a lactation consultant. Personal breastfeeding experience does not count. This is the crème de la crème (pardon the pun!) of breastfeeding support. IBCLC ’s may work in private practice, do home visits, work in clinics, or may be employed through a hospital or doctor's office. Some IBCLC ’s are medical doctors, nurses, nutritionists, La Leche League Leaders, childbirth educators, midwives, physical therapists, or other professionals who combine two specialties. An IBCLC may also refer you to a feeding specialist or other professional. Website: http://www.ilca.org/ |
Midwives
Midwives generally see birth and breastfeeding as going hand and in hand. An experienced midwife will work with many women through the course of her career and develop many skills to assist in the course of normal breastfeeding. If a mom or baby experiences difficulties, a call to the midwife for help or a referral can be an important first step.
Website: http://www.cfmidwifery.org/ Family Physician
Some physicians are very knowledgeable and supportive of breastfeeding. Ideally, one of these physicians is already caring for you and your baby. If so, he or she can be a resource for health information in relation to breastfeeding, including information on medications that are acceptable for breastfeeding mothers to use, and in clearly conveying the risks and benefits associated with medications that are questionable.
Almost all unacceptable medications can be substituted with medications that are acceptable. Be sure that your physician has the latest edition of Dr. Thomas Hale, PhD’s book Medications and Mothers Milk or is willing to do the research to find the latest information on medications and satisfactory substitutes. Some physicians are not as knowledgeable or as willing to research for their mothers. In that case, if you have breastfeeding difficulties, it is best to ask for referrals to other professionals such as an IBCLC who can support you in succeeding at breastfeeding. www.infantrisk.com - Thomas Hale’s Breastfeeding Pharmacology website www.bfmed.org - Academy of BreastFeeding Medicine, Organization for physicians dedicated to and supporting breastfeeding, infant nutrition, childbirth, and lactation. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) - Peer Counselors
The WIC program is part of the United Stated Government’s Department of Agriculture. Their services vary from state to state but usually include breastfeeding assistance. You may reach WIC by looking in the government pages of your local telephone book.
WIC is a nutrition program. They serve a population that may not have resources to keep their families well fed. Many of their clinics have special services for breastfeeding women. They may provide breastfeeding classes, breastfeeding equipment and peer counselors to help breastfeeding mothers. Peer counselors are women trained to help mothers work through common breastfeeding problems. Website: www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ Doula
A doula is trained to help you through the birth process. Some also help with breastfeeding past the first feeding after the birth of your baby. Doulas are usually familiar with specialists in their area, such as an IBCLC or local support group, if you request one. Some doulas offer postpartum care, and they should be able to assist you with breastfeeding during your learning period. Before you hire a doula, discuss which services are provided. Make sure that breastfeeding education and support is among them.
Doulas of North America www.dona.org/ |
Finding Additional Help
If you decide that you need professional guidance beyond your IBCLC and health care provider, begin with a call to your IBCLC or your health care provider’s office. Share your concerns and ask for a referral to a specialist. These resources might be as diverse as a mental health professionals, ENT specialists, dental surgeons, feeding therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, or people skilled in using CranioSacral Therapy and/or Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT).
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MOBI Motherhood International
There is another resource and the beauty of this resource is that you have already found it! Congratulate yourself again for being a resourceful new parent! Look through our many articles that cover a variety of topics important to mothers and new families.
If you are having protracted breastfeeding challenges you may want to join the MOBI online support group.
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If you are having protracted breastfeeding challenges you may want to join the MOBI online support group.
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