How to find a breastfeeding community

When you choose to breastfeed, it’s important to find the support you need. Joining a breastfeeding community can be a very valuable experience for both new and more seasoned moms. The idea of finding a breastfeeding group may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

The good news is there are helpful online and offline communities available to you regardless of where you live, or what your schedule is. There are a variety of networks on the local and national level to help moms learn.

These communities are great opportunities to ask questions about breastfeeding (even the awkward ones), and get honest, real-life answers only other moms can provide. If you don’t have time to go to an in-person group, don’t worry that you’ll be left out.  

Online communities exist by the hundreds where you can connect, discuss tips, share ideas, and engage in a supportive community, no matter what time of day or night is suitable for you and your schedule. Here are just a few resources:

Lactation Consultants

Lactation consultants are located around the country. You can use the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), which is updated every two weeks, to find one near you. Lactation consults may work in an office or hospital, and they often run out-patient clinics or meetings for mother’s who need continued support.

Ask Your Doctor or Local Health Center

Your doctor, local health clinic, or women’s center may have lists of groups in your area for nursing moms, including locations and contact information. They also tend to stock a variety of resources to help answer your questions.  You just have to ask. You can also look into state or national organizations such as WomensHealth.gov. They provide a lot of online support and articles on breastfeeding.

Facebook Groups

If you’re too busy to make it out to in-person group meetings, or you’re just a little shy, there are many options available online. Social networks such as Facebook can be a great starting off point to connect with other nursing moms. Aside from being convenient, Facebook groups can be national or local, and provide an easy way to share resources such as articles, how-to videos, or ‘just for fun’ posts for that much needed laugh at the end of a long day. To find online groups, do a search using terms such as ‘breastfeeding in Tampa, Florida,’ and see what groups pop up.

Online Forums

There are a variety of “mom focused” websites such as TheBump.com and Momtastic.com. These sites have forums just for moms. You can participate in conversations on everything from breastfeeding to general parenting questions. The best part about online forums is they are archived and you can easily search for questions and answers, which may already have been asked. One note: Even though you don’t necessarily need an account to research and/or read topics while browsing the forum, you will need an account to respond, or to begin your own conversation.

Prolacta Website

We couldn’t have a list of resources without including our own site. We talk about breast milk donations, breastfeeding tips, health benefits, challenges, and how to encourage dad. We also share tips, thoughts and advice from you. Online breastfeeding communities are valuable outlets. They give moms a way to feel connected and less alone which sometimes happens when juggling the demands of a newborn.