New Mothers Support Groups
When I had my children I was fresh out of nursing school. I worked as a postpartum and nursery nurse in a local hospital. It was a small hospital and did not employ Lactation Consultants. I did not know that such a job description existed. So when I was parenting and nursing my new babies, I winged it like everyone else.
I also had no idea there were support groups for new mothers. I struggled by myself, second-guessing my decisions and feelings. The first time I found support was when my first child was three and we went to a mommy and me class at the local library. I met my soon-to-be best friend there and it was a whole new world!
Having a baby can be isolating without support. Many of us don't even have family that are close enough to come over for the day. And let’s be honest, sometimes family isn’t as helpful as we would like.
We can wonder if we are “doing it right”. Are our babies acting like other babies? When will this phase end? What’s normal? When should we reach out for help for ourselves or our children? We all need a tribe of parents with whom we can connect and share. We need a shoulder to cry on. We need someone to listen to us complain.
“When breastfeeding support only is offered to women, the duration and in particular, the exclusivity of breastfeeding is likely to be increased. Support may also be more effective in reducing the number of women stopping breastfeeding at three to four months compared to later time points” (Gavine, A. et al., 2022)
This is not a surprise. Most of us in this area of the country do not have close role models for breastfeeding. We may not have a mother, aunt, or friend who nursed in front of us. We may lack close friends who are also having children along with us. Humans learn by watching others and talking to others who are doing what they want to do. Support groups can play a key role in meeting this need.
Another research study examined the benefits of attending a new parent group. “Attendance at the New Parent group in this case study provided the mothers with three key opportunities. These three opportunities were to be able to get information / learn about things, to have an opportunity to talk [with other mothers] and gain reassurance, and to have a fixed opportunity [and] something to look forward to each week.” (Guest EM, et al., 2009)
But I don't need studies to convince me that a support group is fun and helpful. I wish I had a place to go with my new babies. I would not have felt so alone.
Search for new parent groups near your home and take a chance and go. It will open up a whole new world. You can get out of your head for a time as well. When I was stuck at home in the cold winter months after having my second baby, it was easy to feel isolated. Having a welcoming place to go can make a big difference.
If you live in our area: Westchester County and Lower Fairfield County, check out our New Mothers Support Group! Gaea Breastfeeding Center is launching our group on March 6th, 2024 at our Harrison location. See the Classes and Group Page for more information. Our group is ideal for babies 0-8 months old. We will chat about breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, formula feeding, introducing solids, back-to-work issues, weaning, and more! We will have guest speakers as well ranging from pelvic floor therapists and doulas to psychologists.
Step out of your door and find your tribe!
~ Cathy Walker, MA, RN, IBCLC
February 28th, 2024
References:
Gavine A, Shinwell SC, Buchanan P, Farre A, Wade A, Lynn F, Marshall J, Cumming SE, Dare S, McFadden A. Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2022, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD001141. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001141.pub6. Accessed 26 February 2024.
Guest EM, Keatinge DR. The value of new parent groups in child and family health nursing. J Perinat Educ. 2009 Summer;18(3):12-22. doi: 10.1624/105812409X461180. PMID: 20514127; PMCID: PMC2730910. Accessed 26 February 2024.