Hello, my name is Jen and I’m a breastfeeding mom. The collective group responds with “Hello Jen.” This is what I envisioned when I saw a flyer for a breastfeeding support group while visiting the lactation consultant a couple years ago with my first baby. I giggled to myself thinking that breastfeeding wasn’t something that required a support group – what was next? A breast pump intervention?
As I was on maternity leave with my first baby I longed for adult conversation so I figured I would try out the breastfeeding support group. There were no formal greetings, no standing up in front of groups, nothing I had seen in the soaps that I had grown to love while on my leave (that’s for another post.)
Rather, this group of other mommies and babies were in the same shoes as me. They longed for some socialization with other new mommies and babies. They also had attempted to shower that morning but instead had to accommodate cluster feedings. They also had to deal with their baby having a major blowout in the middle of them talking about their delivery story. Oh yeah, and we did sprinkle in some talk about breastfeeding, how to manage going back to work and what to do when traveling. An hour and a half flew by. If any of the babies needed a snack, there was no judgment in whipping out a boob and nursing. I felt like this group of mamas really led and carried the conversation and the attending lactation consultant that was there gave some helpful pointers on nursing and just being a new mommy in general.
Now that I’m on maternity leave with my second baby, we eagerly attend the breastfeeding support group. With one meeting under our belt, it’s our goal to try out a couple of new groups, too.
I encourage other new mommies to attend these groups – it’s a great way to socialize, learn some helpful tips, meet other mommies going through the same things as you and challenge yourself to get out with your baby (yes, start packing the car at least one hour before you need to leave…)
Here are some groups that meet locally:
Carolinas Lactation Center (this is the one I have attended)
10am-11:30am, first and third Thursdays of each month
10620 Park Road, Suite 126 (the building in front of CMC Pineville off of Park Road)
704-667-1390
La Leche League of NC – Charlotte Area
Ballantyne
10am, third Saturday of each month
Earthfare, 12235 N. Community House Road (I-485 Exit 61/Johnston Rd)
Note: Dads are welcome at meeting #2 of each series
Charlotte North
10am, third Wednesday of each month
LiveWell Carolinas! Center located in Northlake Mall, lower level near Dillards.
6801 Northlake Mall Drive
Charlotte South
10am, fourth Thursday of each month
Messiah Lutheran Church, 8300 Providence Road (in the modular building)
Cotswold
10:30am, third Wednesday of each month
Scottish Rite Temple on Randolph Road
Lake Norman
10am, second Wednesday of each month
Temple Kol Tikvah, 605 South Street in Davidson
Matthews
10:30am, second Thursday of each month
Sisky YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road in Matthews
Smarties – have you attended any support groups like this? Please share!
