Today I had the opportunity to attend a Breast Feeding Support Group. I always knew they existed; however I never really felt motivated enough to go. That is until a fellow mother friend of mine convinced me to go. Thanks Christina! Honestly, now that I think about it, I never wanted to go because I thought it would be awkward, and like any new experience it was at first, but then I got a little more comfortable and was able to open up. Knowing someone I knew would be there made it a lot easier for me to go.
Anyway, it felt good to be in a room filled with other moms who were going through the same or similar breastfeeding experiences as I am. I’m sure Pinky felt the same way being in a room full of people her size (aka babies). I had a handful of questions and they had answers. I was relieved that I wasn’t the only mom whose back hurt from breastfeeding or the only mom who couldn’t get her baby on a bottle. Compared to some of the other moms I had it pretty easy thank God. My dad’s neighbor and good friend said to me today, “sometimes we’re blessed and we don’t even know it.” I didn’t quite understand him but now I do. However, I think it would have been better said like this, “sometimes we don’t realize just how blessed we are!” I’m glad to say I never experienced thrush or mastitis, nor do I have to return to a full time demanding job in two weeks.
Everyone had their own reason for attending the group, but I think most of us were there because we wanted to be around people who understood us. One mother said she was there because she just wanted to get out of the house. I’m sure that was in the back of most of our minds. It’s funny how things change once you become a mom. And when you become a breastfeeding mom, it seems like all you do is feed your child. At least that’s how I felt at one point. But it doesn’t matter because when you love your child you will do anything for them. And I believe breastfeeding is one of best gifts a mother can giver to her child if she can. So if I got anything out of attending this support group today, it’s that although breastfeeding can literally drain the life out of a mother, it’s okay as long as she can get together with other women and talk about it.
We give the Breastfeeding Support Group Two Pinky’s up and recommend that you at least give it a try! Contact your local community hospital for group meeting dates and times. We went to the one offered by Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women in San Diego. They offer day and evening support groups. The groups are free and all you need is your baby and your boobs, so visit one and let me know how it goes!
Other helpful sites I was referred to are La Leche League International and The United States Breastfeeding Committee.
To read more of what Pinky is up to visit our blog at http://thepinkyproject.com.