Before we get into the resources for troubleshooting the issues that can come with breastfeeding, let’s talk about a few local resources that can help you prepare for success.
First of all, congratulations on deciding to embark on this journey! Women have been breastfeeding since the beginning of Creation, but it’s only in our lifetime that it’s become more taboo. Because many of us might spend our whole lives, before becoming mothers, never once seeing a baby at the breast, it’s no wonder we aren’t quite sure how to do it. Let’s talk about some ways you can find breastfeeding support in the Binghamton, New York area.
Breastfeeding Classes
Taking a class in breastfeeding can help you prepare for what to expect.
Binghamton Metro Doulas offers a Breastfeeding Basics
class.
Newborn Naturally offers a childbirth education series that includes breastfeeding education and can be taken individually.
UHS breastfeeding
class
Lourdes Hospital breastfeeding class:
Getting Off to a Good Start
Books and Videos
Having a book about breastfeeding can be very handy when you have things that come up with your own baby. Often seeing and hearing through visual guides like videos can be easier to understand and remember. Here is a list of some that I have found to be good.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding published by La Leche League International
Sweet Sleep: Nighttime
and Naptime Strategies for the Breastfeeding Family published by La Leche League International
The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins
Youtube video
Breastfeeding Positions and Latch
Dr Jack Newman’s Visual Guide to Breastfeeding on Youtube
Face to Face Support
Having breastfeeding resources at your fingertips is so important. It can be the difference between giving up and pushing through the struggles. Almost everyone has their fair share, so don’t feel like you are the only one that can’t “figure it out”. Those are the times when it is most important to reach out for support.
Peer-to-Peer
Often just talking to other experienced moms can help you realize that you’re not alone.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Peer Counseling – 607- 778-3904
La Leche League Greater Binghamton. They meet twice a month at two different locations in addition to having online “meetings” on their
Facebook Page
Professionals
Having a
postpartum doula is a great way to get the support of someone knowledgeable in breastfeeding and newborn care.
Here are some other local professionals to consider as well.
Karina Martinez, CLC – Karina is a Certified Lactation Counselor. She is also a birth and postpartum doula and a leader of the La Leche League Greater Binghamton.
Laura Walker, RNC, IBCLC – Laura is a lactation consultant that works out of Lourdes hospital in Binghamton, NY
607-798-5519
Mothers and Babies Network also has helpful hotline lists by
county.
Broome County WIC Clinics
Facebook Groups
Breastfeeding Troubleshooting
Let’s Talk facebook groups! Face to face support is invaluable, but sometimes you just want to get quick answers and hear lots of moms’ opinions and feedback without leaving the comfort of your own home. With a newborn this can be especially helpful, when your days feel overwhelming enough. The following is a list of some helpful groups:
Binghamton Breastfeeding Love and Support
La Leche League of Greater Binghamton: Online Meeting
Finding Milk Donors
Links for those who want to supplement with human milk. There are also breastmilk donation notices posted sometimes in the Binghamton Breastfeeding Love and Support group listed above.
Human Milk for Human Babies – New York
Human Milk for Human Babies New York – Group
In Conclusion
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you feel like you need it. I always recommend reaching out to friends or family that may have experience, but as you can see there’s plenty of help available outside of your own personal circle as well.
Every breastfeeding mother deserves to have a safe place to complain about their struggles without the person listening suggesting that they throw in the towel.
So, find your safe place, your peeps, your village and remember to pay it forward to the new moms that could use the same kind of help.
Much Love!
PS
Step by Step Guide to Diagnosing Tongue Ties This article is definitely worth a read if you even
slightly suspect that your baby might have a tongue/lip tie.
