Breastfeeding Resources You Need to Know
Let’s face it, breastfeeding can be more than hard for so many moms. The physical, mental and emotional toll can be overwhelming and with so many ways to make it work, it can be difficult to know where to look and who to trust for the best advice. And while breastfeeding comes up regular in our group sessions, sometimes you just need a bit more help based on your situation.
Today I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite resources for breastfeeding mamas - from the products we love to the classes, books and people who have helped moms just like you make their breastfeeding journey just a little bit easier.
Read on to see a few of our favorite breastfeeding resources in Chicago and beyond.
LACTATION CONSULTANTS AND SPECIALISTS
Hiring a lactation consultant is a great way to get individualized attention for whatever issues you may be facing during your breastfeeding journey. And given the current world we live in, many of these consultants are now working virtually, so non-Chicago moms can still access their support.
Mother’s Milk Company: Mother’s Milk Company’s mission is to foster breastfeeding as a normal start to optimal infant health and development, and to promote the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers as well as infants, through in-home support and education.
Lactation Partners: Lactation Partners are maternal child RNs and lactation consultants with over 20 years experience providing breastfeeding support and help to new families during this life-changing time in the comfort of their homes.
JOC Lactation Consultants: JOC assists new mothers and their babies with breastfeeding support and guidance.
JBW Lactation Services: A lactation consulting service with more than 12 years experience helping moms reach their breastfeeding goals.
Pro Tip: To find out who is covered by your health insurance, check out the Lactation Network.
GROUPS AND CLASSES
While sadly there are not nearly as many drop in breastfeeding groups these days due to COVID, we’ve seen a recent uptick in classes for new moms. Check out a few great options below.
Monica and Andy: A national baby clothing brand based in Chicago, Monica and Andy offers weekly workshops for new moms with lactation support being one of many classes to help you during the fourth trimester and beyond. Check out their website to find dates and times for upcoming drop in support and also to register.
Baby Bistro: Through the University of Chicago, this free resource offers a weekly virtual support group for breastfeeding moms. You do not need to be a University of Chicago patient to access the classes.
Milkology: Offers a virtual course that claims to help you breastfeed like a pro within 90 minutes! It’s a simple step-by-step program that covers everything you need to know about breastfeeding in 13 easy-to-watch lessons.
PRODUCTS & APPS
While there are a whole host of products to help ease your breastfeeding journey, think nipple cream, milk storage bags, comfy chair, nursing bras and more, here are a few that continue to make our short list.
Baby Connect App: This comprehensive baby tracker helps you record all things baby. Log entries, note your last nursing side, time your nursing or pumping sessions and get all the data you might need to ensure baby is happy, fed and rested.
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow: This pillow always tops the best-seller list for a reason. It’s shape, comfort and ease of use makes it a go-to for so many moms.
Haakaa Manual Pump: These containers attach to one breast while nursing your baby on the other breast. They work by asserting a little pressure on the other breast to collect the milk that would have otherwise been wasted. Great for saving and storing more milk or making sure your baby is fully fed while cluster-feeding.
Have a must-have resource or product that you’d like to share? Leave us a comment below!
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