We’re still celebrating World Breastfeeding Week! Today I wanted to share some of the online breastfeeding resources I’ve found most helpful for nursing mothers or soon-to-be-mothers thinking about breastfeeding.
I’m a longstanding Googler. I research everything online! Before having my first baby, I researched hypnobirthing, studies comparing the safety of home birth vs. hospital birth, SIDS risk factors, the best car seat, baby carriers, nursery decor, maternity leave legislation… The list seemed endless. The one thing I didn’t spend much time learning about? Breastfeeding! I think I just assumed it would come instinctively. After all, it’s natural, right?
Luckily for me, I have had easy, problem-free nursing relationships with both my daughters. I wish that every mom’s experience could be as positive and supportive as mine was, but I know that isn’t the reality for many. Often moms need more information and assistance. Visiting a certified lactation consultant is usually the best route for moms having latch or other breastfeeding problems, but it’s not always an option. Sometimes you need advice right now, not in a few days or even tomorrow. Insurance companies may not cover lactation services, and not everybody has health insurance. So, here’s my list of breastfeeding resources I’ve personally found most helpful.
KellyMom is the premier website for information about all things related to breastfeeding. You can also find info about tandem nursing, full-term breastfeeding, medications and breasfeeding, relactation, and weaning. This is the first site I recommend for new moms or for troubleshooting breastfeeding problems.
La Leche League International, or LLLI, has been around since 1956. From the website: Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. You can search for local LLL groups or get support online through their mother-to-mother forums. See also La Leche League Canada and La Leche League USA.
The Leaky Boob Facebook page is a wonderful source of real time support, advice, and breastfeeding information. Do you need immediate advice or support? Try here!
The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) is the professional association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). While this site is more targeted towards service providers, they maintain a database of certified lactation consultants that can help you can find a consultant in your area.
Do you have any favourite resources? Please list them in the comments!
Great list, I have recommended them all myself time and time again. The only other one I would add is Natural Parents Network – http://www.naturalparentsnetwork.com 🙂
Thanks for linking up with the Tuesday Baby Link-Up! 🙂 Please come back on Tuesday to see if you were featured 🙂
Ooh, yes! NPN is another great resource. I love their natural parenting carnivals too!
Would love to recommend The Breastfeeding Companion – https://thebreastfeedingcompanion.com. We have 85+ videos covering all the main problems mothers face. It’s run by an IBCLC, is peer-reviewed and has been endorsed by the NHS Information Standard
There’s no cost and no signup… just good advice.
Very helpful resources.