Heart of the Triangle
Supportive Breastfeeding Care for New Mothers
by Megan Cutter
baby into the family, adjusting to new schedules and a lack of sleep, and handling the new responsibilities of parenthood. Some find it difficult to breastfeed their babies, especially since issues around breastfeeding in public or returning to the workplace have become hot topics of discussion. New mothers may become anxious
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and unsure when they cannot find an- swers to their questions about breast- feeding concerns such as soreness, problems latching on, timing, nutrition or breastfeeding positions. They may stop breastfeeding when their questions go unanswered. Several organizations in the Tri- angle are dedicated to supporting the bond that develops between mother and child through natural breastfeed- ing. Le Leche League is an international non-profit organization offering educa- tion, monthly support meetings, and individualized support to new mothers who choose to breastfeed their chil- dren. Pam Freedman of Le Leche League of Chapel Hill comments, “It’s so important that the whole community supports the breastfeeding mother. Breastfeeding is normal and healthy, and the whole community should be
38 NA Triangle
www.natriangle.com
ost new mothers experience the both the joy and over- whelm of welcoming a new
supporting it.” Once each week, on Mondays from 1-2pm, Le Leche League of Chapel Hill offers a Breastfeeding Café at the Red Hen in Carrboro. “The Breastfeeding Café is an informal place for nurs- ing and expectant mothers to come with their breastfeeding questions,” Pam says. “Moms have really enjoyed meeting each other. Friendships have blossomed and playgroups have formed through the women who met at the breastfeeding cafe. It’s been fun to see moms come with newborns and watch their confidence grow as they return from week to week. The smaller group in a casual setting makes the Cafe a comfortable place for many moms’ first adventure out with their newborns. We’ve had dads, friends and grandpar- ents attend as many times they have questions about breastfeeding and enjoy listening to the conversation.” While many new mothers struggle with returning to the workplace while still breastfeeding their young children, many local businesses are taking the lead in promoting family care for work- ing mothers. This often includes offering employee lactation programs. The North Carolina Breastfeed- ing Coalition provides resources for parents, employers and employees across the state. The Business Case for Breastfeeding educates about work-
site lactation support for breastfeeding women, preparedness among lacta- tion consultants and advocates, and how local businesses can offer inclu- sive breastfeeding support to mothers and families. When you see a nursing mother in public or in the workplace, smile and support the natural process of breastfeeding newborns, and offer them privacy if necessary. Many breastfeed- ing support groups are in need of vol- unteers. Contact your local breastfeed- ing support group to find out how you can support mothers and their babies. From 2-5pm on May 22, 2011,
Le Leche League of Chapel Hill will host a Rock-the-Baby family festival at the Carrboro Town Commons. Educa- tion, networking and support will be provided to breastfeeding mothers. The local band Birds and Arrows will pro- vide entertainment. Many breastfeeding support groups are in need of volun- teers. Contact your local breastfeeding support group to find out how you can support mothers and their babies.
For information, contact Pam Freedman of Le Leche League of Chapel Hill at 919-932-6885 or visit
www.lllofchapelhill.org. The North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition web- site is at
www.ncbfc.org.
Heart of the Triangle
Sharing the vision, supporting the mission of the triangle area non-profit community
Sharing the vision, supporting the mission of the triangle area non-profit community
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