Breastfeeding SupportAttend La Leche League meetings while you're pregnantLLL is a great resource for breastfeeding information. You can ask as many questions as you want and hear from LLL leaders and other moms who are veteran breastfeeders. They even provide a library with all kinds of books on nursing, natural parenting, and natural birth. LLL is a great place to meet like-minded mothers who can help support you on your parenting journey. I've made several new friends from attending LLL meetings regularly. I've found that not only are they nursing moms, but many of them also use cloth diapers and share my views on natural birth and parenting. Keep in contact with a La Leche League leader and/or a good lactation consultant or a even a friend who has successfully breastfedIt can make a huge difference to have someone to call if you are having difficulty. LLL leaders are sometimes willing to come to your home and help you if you are having trouble.I had nipple pain and some nipple bleeding the first week after my daughter was born. My breasts were also very engorged and painful. I called a LLL leader who offered to come to my home that very night. She watched me nurse, gave me suggestions on better positioning, gave me several hand-outs of information, and lots of encouragement. The pain disappeared within the next few days. Lactation consultants are often employed by hospitals and can be consulted for a fee. Just be aware that lactation consultants employed by the hospital do not always have the correct information and can be pressured by hospital policies. It would be wise to find lactation experts that are independent of a hospital. Some major cities have lactation centers that not only provide you with assistance, but also sell nursing bras, breast pumps and other nursing supplies. If you give birth at home, your midwife should be able to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Seek out lactation experts while you are pregnant and keep their contact information handy in case you need it. Find a pediatrician who is, at the very least, supportive of your decisionMost doctors actually receive very little training about breastfeeding. Ask the doctor if many of his/her patients breastfeed. Ask what their plan of action is if your baby is slow to gain weight. If their response is to supplement with formula right away--shop around for a different doctor. Secure the Support of Your Husband or PartnerTalk with your husband or partner before the baby is born. Share with him the facts about breastfeeding and formula. If he is hesitant about "sharing" your breasts with the baby or wants to share some of the feedings with you by giving baby a bottle, having the facts will help him understand that breast truly is best.It makes a world of difference if your husband understands the importance of nourishing your baby at your breasts. He can help support you if the going is rough and can counter the naysayers. Return to Breastfeeding Main
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