As birth time draws near I've been more and more focused on postpartum prep (freezer meals, padcicles, stocking up on toiletries, etc.). One thing I'm trying to have in place is breastfeeding support - who to contact if things are off to a rough start. Luckily my doula also regularly teaches a breastfeeding class so she's probably qualified to help in the beginning, but what about later on?
A favorite book I've read recently is The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding from La Leche League International. I loved this breastfeeding book because it was easy to read (didn't seem textbook, how-to, and dry) and so lovingly talked about how breastfeeding was not only a method of food intake, but a relationship between mother and child to help bond and steady the infant through different stages of development. This book also suggested finding a local La Leche League meetings where moms could get together to ask questions and share advice on all breastfeeding related topics. I thought this was a good idea, but didn't look too much into it.
It just so happened that someone shared an event for a local La Leche League meeting in a Facebook birth group I'm a part of. I was a bit hesitant since I wouldn't know anyone, but I figured why not, especially since I've heard it's easier to go with an infant if you've been while you were pregnant. Off I headed to see what this was all about.
This "meeting" was really more of a play group with a more focused topic of discussion amongst the moms. There were four other moms there, two "leaders", and plenty of small children running around. Everyone was super nice and friendly and it wasn't awkward at all. There was a planned topic to talk about, but we catered to the needs of each mom. Since I was there, all the other moms shared their best advice for starting to breastfeed. Another mom wanted advice on starting her almost 6 month old on solids and someone else asked for how to get her 4 year old to actually try and eat dinner - everyone who could offered suggestions on what worked for them and their kids. It was like when you google parenting advice, but this was more friendly, trustworthy, and with an in-person social aspect.
Overall I was rather pleased with the experience and decided I'll be coming back to another meeting with my little one. I now have the phone numbers of the leaders in case I need to call for breastfeeding problem solving and a place to go for my kid to play as I ask more experienced moms how on earth one cares for a young human. If nothing else, it's also another way to get involved and meet and make friends.
Take away: I would definitely encourage stepping outside your comfort zone and finding supportive people and resources for your current life situation, whatever that may be. For those for whom La Leche League may be relevant, come join me at the next meeting (held monthly) or find one in your own area!
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