So its time to make the decision to breastfeed. Did you make it when you knew you were pregnant? Did you make when you had your child? Did you take a breastfeeding class?
For my first son, I made the decision when I found out I was pregnant. I read all the articles I could find on the Internet (Bless the Internet) and figured I would just wing it. He took to breastfeeding like a champ and pretty soon I had a 16 lb 4 week old. He was a very healthy baby. I dont know what I would have done if I had had any problems feeding him. My mom was my best source of information but given that she hadnt done it in at least 12 years….
For Baby E, I decided I was going to do things right and take a breastfeeding class. The breastfeeding class my husband and I took was given by the hospital through the local Gold’s Gym. It was in the same room as our childbirth class, just given on different nights. It was fun and informative. WE learned alot about the different holds and what a real latch is. We also learned about different support groups we could join and you may not realize it but there was alot of them. Baby E took to breastfeeding like a champ, I never even needed to call my Lactation consultant. I do wish I had joined one of the support groups though because sometimes you just need to talk about being a breastfeeding momma to another breastfeeding momma.
Some other online information that helped me alot and hopefully will be of help to you:
KellyMom – Great website! I still use this website. Its not just for breastfeeding, its an all around great info on babies site.
The Leaky Boob on Facebook – Also great. You can ask questions on their facebook wall and people will help you. They have over 26,000 fans so you can bet someone there is going through the same issue as you can and can help. Plus, they often have discussions with influential people in the breastfeeding, medical, and childrearing fields. And giveaways occasionally!
Medela – I cant tell you how much I love the Medela website and customer service. They have helped me so much and not just with my pump. They also have a discussion board.
La Leche League – Great site. They answer questions on everything from pumping issues, latching, storing breastmilk, baby weight gain and loss, teething, growth spurts, etc. You name it, they have an answer.
WhatToExpect.com -WhatToExpect.com is an interactive, state-of-the-internet companion to the WTE books, and home to a vibrant, vast, yet close-knit community of one million parents. They also offer dozens of free online tools and mobile apps.
Also, being a breastfeeding mom of two, I think I know a bit of what people may go through. If you or someone you know needs help with an breastfeeding issue, please feel free to post on here or email me. I will try my best to help you and if I cant, maybe I can point you to someone who can.
Thanks for sharing all these great resources! like you, I decided to breastfeed while I was still pregnant, even though I had no idea what I was getting myself into 🙂 It didn’t work out exactly as planned, but I’ve made it work thanks to the support of so many people.
So glad you linked up to the hop this week! I hope you’ll join in again next week for World Breastfeeding Week!
I loved breastfeeding my son. I did it for a year with no problems other than when I got sick and my supply drained. Excited to do it again with this baby.
Heather From and Mommy Only Has 2 Hands!
Wow! 16lbs at 4wks? My 8-month-old is still 15lbs! LOL. We joke that I must have skim milk. 😉