How can breastfeeding groups support me?

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That’s the question I asked myself when my sister in law and infant feeding team suggested I might find it useful. I was a few days into being a new mum, exclusively breastfeeding, with sore and red nipples, aggressively tapping my feet whenever my little boy latched on, tears in my eyes. 

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Why on earth would I want to be around a bunch of women breastfeeding? How on earth would that be useful when I’m just trying to work out how to be a new mum? Also, surely if I grin and bear it, my nipples will adapt and it will be easier in no time. Everyone tells me breastfeeding is hard so surely it is supposed to hurt? It’s an instinctive, evolutionary skill… I can work it out myself, surely?

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"Why on earth would I want to be around a bunch of women breastfeeding? How on earth would that be useful when I’m just trying to work out how to be a new mum?"

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As I desperately tried to manage my over supply, engorgement and throbbing blocked ducts at home, I was determined I could manage it alone. I also saw myself as not a ‘group’ person. 

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These are all the thoughts that crossed my mind. How wrong was I! 

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When I finally dragged myself out of the house, tearful and sore, to my first group, I knew straight away that I should have gone sooner. The support was exceptional, from trained individuals and other mummies in the same position.

 

As I sobbed to the others about how I was struggling, it soon became evident that everyone there knew exactly how I felt and had been through a similar thing. I didn’t feel alone. I was listened to, supported and given advice on how to adapt my little boy’s latch and aid nipple healing. No one judged me as the foot tapping began and I was reassured to see other new mums do the same. There were mums there with babies from 1 day old to 3 years old. 

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I made the effort to go to a couple of groups weekly and within two weeks, I noticed a big difference in how I managed my breastfeeding journey. It helped me to identify problems with latch and positioning and adapt these, but it also helped to identify a tongue tie, which was cut by the infant feeding team, making a big difference. I found triggers to my blocked ducts and adapted these, preventing mastitis and pain on several occasions. 

 

"I made the effort to go to a couple of groups weekly and within two weeks, I noticed a big difference in how I managed my breastfeeding journey"

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I continued to attend the group, even during 6 glorious weeks of pain free breastfeeding. They offered more support during times when my little boy was poorly and his latch was impacted, resulting in mastitis, milk blebs and more! 

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But the support went beyond breastfeeding - we talked about sleep regression, myth busting, managing family and friend pressures, worries and doubts, new evidenced based practice and recommendations and concerns from other professionals.

 

Now, I find myself going to the groups weekly and I find the support and social discussions a lifeline, despite my issues with breastfeeding having resolved. There was also local virtual support - a life saver on the days I struggled to get out of the house, sleep deprived and with a screaming child. 

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My one regret? Leaving it so long to go. If I can get a message across to anyone taking the time to read this, it’s this: DON’T wait until you’re in pain!

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"If I can get a message across to anyone taking the time to read this, it’s this: DON’T wait until you’re in pain!"

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Breastfeeding is NOT supposed to hurt and these groups are incredible. I would really encourage anyone expecting a baby to go whilst pregnant, to get a feel for the groups and what they can offer.

 

Whether it’s for a cuppa and a chat with people who get it, or hands on discussions and breastfeeding support, get yourself over to one of these groups with the incredible women who attend. It’s not just for those having issues, it’s for everyone from pregnancy, beginning breastfeeding, weaning and beyond!

 

I promise you, you won’t regret it! Don’t leave it as long as I did!