What are the Benefits of Breastfeeding Support Groups?
By: Natalie Jarrett, MSN, IBCLC
Life can feel so overwhelming and it’s easy to want to stay home when you have a new baby. But getting out of the house can really boost your spirit in the early days, especially if you aren’t having many visitors into your home. There are many reasons why a breastfeeding support group is worth your time - read on to find out more!
1.You can get breastfeeding advice
One of the best parts of a breastfeeding support group is the ability to get your breastfeeding questions answered. You can come with all sorts of questions and the leader of the group will likely be able to answer a lot of them while you’re there. Some things may warrant a one-on-one appointment, but many things are questions that other moms may have too and can be part of the discussion at the breastfeeding support group. You’ll also benefit from hearing the answers to other moms' questions that you may not have thought of yourself.
2. You can make new friends
Another great perk of a breastfeeding support group is that you can make new friends that have babies the same age as yours. A breastfeeding support group is a nice informal way to meet new people who are in the same stage of life as you. Breastfeeding is a bond that can unite moms regardless of what stage their baby is in, so it's an instant point of connection with other moms. If you make connections with other moms, you can swap phone numbers and get together outside of the support group, or you can plan to come back to another breastfeeding support group another time together.
3. You can learn from other moms with more experience
While the other moms may not always have babies the same age as yours, often they will be close enough to be in similar stages. However, if they are farther apart in age, the other moms can provide guidance on what to expect and can reminisce on the early days with their little one. This is fun for other moms with older babies to get a chance to look back and see how far they have come and is encouraging for moms with younger babies to be able to see what their journey may look like in a few months to a year.
4. You can hear experts talk on different topics
Another great perk of a breastfeeding support group is that occasionally there are other experts who come to offer their services to the group. Our breastfeeding support group has featured guest talks from a mental health therapist, a pelvic floor physical therapist, a sleep coach, a dietitian, and a babywearing expert. This is a great way to meet another expert in a field you may not be familiar with or just have a few questions for without having a full appointment with them. Once again, other people’s questions can benefit you so that you hear answers to questions you may not have thought of yourself.
5. Your baby can interact with other babies
At a breastfeeding support group, your baby can have exposure to other babies around the same age as them. They can smile at each other and play on the floor together if that is something you are comfortable with. If your baby is a little older they can see babies younger than them and enjoy interacting. No matter the age gaps, it is great for babies to get together and interact in person, especially if they don’t spend much time around other babies usually. Not only can you make some mom friends, your baby can make some baby friends! It is a win-win all around.
If you are interested in joining our breastfeeding support group, we would love to have you! Our free groups meet regularly in Downtown Cary & Durham. See the full list of dates at: www.milestonesnutrition.com/breastfeedingsupport
Last medically reviewed on February 12, 2024
Natalie Jarrett, MSN, IBCLC is the lactation consultant Milestones Pediatric & Maternal Nutrition in Cary, NC. Natalie specializes in empowering lactating parents during their breastfeeding journey, while helping to minimize any breastfeeding difficulties. Schedule an appointment today.
