I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was asked to visit and write an a rticle about a Breastfeeding Mom’s Group. I envisioned a group of women who all loved to breastfeed sitting around trading stories about the benefits of breastfeeding and their wonderful experiences.

As a mom who struggled with breastfeeding both of my daughters, I decided to approach it as an opportunity to learn something that would help me in the future, should my husband and I decide to expand our family.

Well, I did learn a thing or two about breastfeeding, but more important, I enjoyed witnessing the camaraderie of seven women who were looking to get some questions answered and have the opportunity to talk to other women who could understand what they’re going through.

I can think of few other times in life when women feel more unsure of themselves than when they have their first child. It’s all new and the stakes are so high. We have to rely on each other for answers, ideas and support.

The Breastfeeding Moms Group at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center provides the forum for this type of interaction and support.

The group is facilitated by a lactation educator who answers questions and provides suggestions to the moms who came prepared with a list of questions that included:

• “Am I feeding him too much?”
• “Should I still be waking my baby to eat every two to three hours?”
• “How do I control my milk supply?” 

Each mom benefited from the one-on-one attention of the lactation educator and, in many cases, the suggestions of a fellow mom who had already worked through the same issue.

As the session wrapped up and I spent a few moments talking with the lactation educator, the women continued their conversations and many of them agreed to return for another session to share their progress and work through the next set of concerns.

I think they all felt better when they left, and I know if I find myself struggling with breastfeeding again, I’ll be back as a participant rather than an observer.

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