When you become a new Mom, you have many questions and concerns. Many of these revolve around comfort and just learning how to care for your new little one. After you become more comfortable with breastfeeding, it can be helpful to have a place to check in to have little questions (or big ones) answered that don’t necessarily need to be answered by your Doctor.
Meeting other Moms can be helpful in your new journey, whether this is your first, fifth or tenth baby (yikes!). It can feel like there is no one that understands what you are going through. That’s when it’s helpful to meet someone who is also in the trenches of new parenthood.
1. They’re about more than breastfeeding.
Yes, the main idea is that you will find advice and support dealing with breastfeeding tips, concerns, etc., but in these groups, there will be Moms in varying stages of life. That brings about all sorts of parenting discussions about things like baby sleep patterns and/or troubles, newborn behavior, working outside the home, staying at home, what is normal, co-sleeping, pediatrician recommendations, and many more general parenting topics.
2. They build community.
It’s a great thing when you can find a group of women that are in similar stages of life as you. It opens doors to build friendships, create life long relationships, find shoulders to lean on, receive valuable feedback, and so much more. Many women are wading through the waters of breastfeeding all on their own and depend on these groups for support.
3. They provide a safe space to ask uncomfortable questions.
If you are wondering if it’s normal to leak milk during intercourse, if it’s safe to taste your own breast milk, or if it’s really okay to use breast milk to treat various ailments but you aren’t quite comfortable asking your doctor, then being in a group of women who are likely wondering about the same things can be perfect!
4. They will have live examples.
If you are a pregnant mama or if you have a brand-new baby and you are having trouble just figuring out how to nurse using different positions or how to get a deeper latch, etc. A live example would be perfect and most women will not mind at all demonstrating this with their with their own little ones.
5. They may help you breastfeed longer.
Having the support you need during this stage of motherhood can increase your chances of continuing your nursing relationship as long as you want to. Many women give up in the early stages simply because they had questions that no one around them could or would answer. With a group of like-minded women on your side, there to assist you as they can, might give you the boost you need to go for the long haul or at least to your personal goal.