It Takes Two (Or More) - Why join a breastfeeding support group?
Being a mom is often accompanied by so many new experiences. There are new sleep schedules, new family dynamics, a new baby with their own personality, and, to top it all off, a new breastfeeding adventure. Even for mothers that have breastfed before, breastfeeding with a new child can pose new concerns. But you don’t have to experience all of the “new” things alone!
Here at Bloom Family Wellness, we host free breastfeeding support groups, as we want to emphasize the importance of a community composed of mothers, moms-to-be, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) , and other healthcare providers to create a safe space for all things lactation. These hour-long sessions focus on common breastfeeding questions, participant-driven discussion and problem-solving, and maternal well-being.
Besides building community, there are numerous other benefits of breastfeeding support groups:
Breastfeeding groups with both mothers and healthcare professionals in attendance have been effective in maintaining attendee breastfeeding habits within the first six months of life (Rodríguez-Gallego et al., 2024).
Mothers of these groups can also feel empowered and self-sufficient in their abilities, helping to reduce postpartum depression (Rodríguez-Gallego et al., 2024).
In-person groups with healthcare providers provide moderated, evidence-based suggestions, whereas social media platforms may have unfiltered information (Hiito et al., 2024).
So whether your past breastfeeding experiences were a dream, you’re pulling out your hair trying to make anything work, or you feel nervous about your first pregnancy, we encourage you to try taking on the “new” in a breastfeeding support group.
Join us for our monthly prenatal and postpartum support groups, created to educate, support, and connect families during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Prenatal Education Group
Held on the second Wednesday of every month, this group offers expectant parents a supportive and informative space to prepare for birth, infant feeding, and the early postpartum period. Come with your questions and leave feeling more confident and informed as you approach this next stage.
Postpartum and Breastfeeding Support Group
Held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, this group provides a welcoming space for postpartum mothers to connect with one another, receive guidance on breastfeeding, and build confidence in their feeding journey. Lactation experts Reem and Sara, along with pediatric chiropractor and infant feeding specialist Dr. Brooke, are present to offer education, encouragement, and individualized support.
Bring your questions, your experiences, and join a community that supports you through every step of pregnancy and early motherhood. We hope to see you there!
References
Hiito, E., Ikonen, R., & Niela-Vilén, H. (2024). Internet-based breastfeeding peer support for breastfeeding parents: An integrative review. Journal of advanced nursing, 80(12), 4805–4824. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16221
Rodríguez-Gallego, I., Vila-Candel, R., Corrales-Gutierrez, I., Gomez-Baya, D., & Leon-Larios, F. (2024). Evaluation of the Impact of a Midwife-Led Breastfeeding Group Intervention on Prevention of Postpartum Depression: A Multicentre Randomised Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 16(2), 227. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020227