If you are experiencing concerns or difficulties in breastfeeding your baby, there are Columbus area breastfeeding support resources available to help you and your newborn become successful and confident in your breastfeeding efforts. Being a stay-at-home mom can be isolating—being a new stay-at-home mom with a newborn can be almost overwhelming. If you are breastfeeding, it is important to know that there are many resources available to help new moms, as well as experienced moms, and babies learn and adapt to the breastfeeding process—but, it helps to know where to look.

Don’t be afraid to take breastfeeding classes—even if it’s a second or third child. For a new mother, making the initial decision to breastfeed a newborn can result in one of the most rewarding experiences of motherhood—but, after birth, many new moms discover that breastfeeding is not at all the “natural” experience that many expected. Instead, breastfeeding is a learning process, for both mom and baby—a learning process that sometimes poses challenges, even for moms that were previously able to successfully breastfeed. Discuss the availability of breastfeeding education classes with your obstetrician and the hospital that you plan to use for delivery. In the Columbus area, there are classes covering everything from the breastfeeding basics to pumping and even nursing bra fitting. New moms may discover new breastfeeding techniques and experienced moms may discover great new solutions.

Meet with your hospital’s lactation consultant before leaving the hospital with your newborn. Many hospitals in the Columbus metro area suggest that a staff lactation consultant meet with a new breastfeeding mother before she is released from the hospital. If your delivery hospital does not offer lactation support, you may need to explore such resources on your own--but, it is an important resource to explore.

Accept offered follow-up lactation consultations once you are home. There are situations where breastfeeding goes smoothly in the limited time at the hospital—but, issues arise once Mom and baby go home. Honestly take advantage of follow-up telephone or online lactation consultations to address any concerns or issues that may surface in the weeks that follow your hospital discharge. You may also discover hospital sponsored or endorsed telephone support lines or online groups or forums that may help your situation and calm your fears.

Join a local La Leche League or support group. Many Central Ohio communities are home to a La Leche League breastfeeding support group. If there is not one in your community or within a reasonable driving distance, you may be able to find online support through local forums such as Columbus Moms Like Me http://columbus.momslikeme.com/members/MomToMom.aspx or via Columbus Mom Style http://www.columbusmomstyle.com/live/content/index.html

Remember that tips and tricks that work for one mom and baby may not work for another—or even for another baby of the same mother! Every baby and every situation is different and you may have to try a number of techniques and solutions to make your own individual success story. It is important to know that you are not alone. Many Central Ohio mothers have had breastfeeding successes—as well as breastfeeding challenges and worries. It is important to find options and advice that work for you—and you may need to tap into many Central Ohio resources to achieve success.

For More Information on Breastfeeding Education and Support in Central Ohio:
Breastfeeding Education at Mt. Carmel Hospitals
Breastfeeding Education at OSU
Breastfeeding Education at Ohio Health Hospitals
La Leche League of Ohio