Postpartum Breastfeeding Support Group

Since 1991, The Parent Connection at BIDMC has provided families continued support after leaving our postpartum units and in the amazing and often overwhelming adjustment to parenthood. One of the most common themes that typically come as a surprise to first time parents is that breastfeeding is typically a learned experience for both mom and baby.

The experience of learning to breastfeed can be quite stressful particularly if baby does not have a lot of patience when he/she is hungry. In addition to baby’s temperament, issues such as a poor latch, inadequate sucking or low and overabundant milk supply can really complicate things. And that’s the short list. Ask any breastfeeding more and chances are you will hear a laundry list of potential challenges. All this to say, that in truth it is quite common that moms and babies need additional support after they go home from the hospital around breastfeeding, and often that support means seeing a lactation consultant who is able to observe and assess the feeding process.

One year ago, we launched a pilot group in our effort to support moms in their efforts to continue breastfeeding after discharge from our postpartum units. The pilot was a huge success and I am thrilled to state that at one year later the group is still going strong. The group runs on Wednesday afternoons from 12noon-1:30pm at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston on the 6 Feldberg postpartum unit. From Main Entrance on the East Campus, moms and babies can take the Feldberg elevators to the 6th floor and a greeter will be there to guide you to the Solarium where the group will be led by one or our International Board Certified Lactations Consultants. We’ll have a scale so you can weigh your baby, both pre and post feeding as well!

This group is offered free of charge to any mom with questions, or in need of support around breastfeeding. You don’t have to have delivered at BIDMC to come. No registration is required, but if you have additional questions about the group feel free to call the Parent Connection office at 617.667-BABY.