World Breastfeeding Week is August 1st-7th! Not only is this a great time to celebrate your own breastfeeding journey, but it’s also an opportunity to find much-needed breastfeeding support (or, be a support to someone else!). Let’s talk all about breastfeeding week and breastfeeding support!

World Breastfeeding Week and Breastfeeding Support

The theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is all about stepping up to educate, learn about, and support people on their breastfeeding journey. So how can breastfeeding week and breastfeeding support go hand in hand?

As a breastfeeding mom, it’s so important to reach out to other moms and be the support they need when they are struggling. Even if you haven’t dealt with the same issues during your postpartum journey, you can still understand what they are dealing with much better than someone who isn’t breastfeeding.

On the other hand, if you are a new breastfeeding mom, finding support on your journey is crucial, especially if you have been struggling. Everyone’s journey is different, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find people who understand what you are going through!

Finding Breastfeeding Support

There are so many different options for breastfeeding support! Whether you are looking for something virtual or want to meet people in person, you can find support wherever you are.

Breastfeeding Week and Breastfeeding Support Online

There are so many different ways to find breastfeeding support online!

My favorite method is finding postpartum support communities on social media! There are so many accounts that share tips for every aspect of motherhood, and definitely breastfeeding. I’ve set up my Instagram to be a safe place for moms to interact with each other and share inspirational breastfeeding stories to help others on their journey.

Additionally, you can find virtual support groups that offer assistance any time, day or night. Places like the La Leche League Facebook Group or different apps and forums like What to Expect or BabyCenter can provide much-needed help for breastfeeding moms.

And lastly, you can simply head to Google to find information on your most pressing breastfeeding questions. There are so many articles out there, from weaning your toddler to boosting your milk supply!

Virtual Consultations

Another great part about the internet is the ability to have virtual consultations with lactation specialists! You can easily find someone who you connect with that can help you on your breastfeeding journey… even if they live on the other side of the world!

There are different types of lactation consultants depending on your breastfeeding preference. Some of my favorite pumping lactation consultants on Instagram are @bemybreastfriend, @pumpwithpurpose, @onewiththepump, @theempoweredmama and @baremotherhood_ Each of these ladies shares tons of helpful pumping tips and tricks and also offer virtual consultations and classes to help you on your pumping journey!

Or, if you are exclusively nursing, you can find a lactation consultant who specializes in that! I personally used LA Lactation when I was struggling to nurse my son. She helped me work around his latch due to a tongue tie, assessed my nursing positions, and gave me the guidance and support I needed to continue nursing him! 

In-Person Support

Lastly, if you are someone who likes to connect with people in person, you can find local groups in your community! Check with your hospital for classes or find an IBCLC or lactation consultant near you. Even simply finding another mom or two to meet up with and share your experiences/struggles with can be a huge way to find support! I still talk with the moms I met in person during my first breastfeeding experience. We bonded over our experiences and have continued to be a support system for each other.

Making the Most of Breastfeeding Week and Breastfeeding Support

Taking some time to focus on breastfeeding week and breastfeeding support can help you recognize the areas you need help in or where you can help other moms! If you are struggling with breastfeeding, look around you for support. There are so many moms who know what you are going through and want to help you! And if you want to join a community of other women on their breastfeeding journeys, follow me on Instagram. Just remember, you are doing great, mama and we are here to help!

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