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From:
Natalie Wilson <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 3 Mar 2013 17:44:46 -0500
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Dear Heather,

During one of the Breastfeeding and Feminism symposia a presenter once mentioned that hospital-based IBCLCs reported that 95% of cases they encounter do not require any IBCLC training. Those cases are what is called "psychological support" or what is pure peer support to let the mother find enough confidence in herself to fumble through first rough steps. 

I would like to say that you do not have to have any specific credential or any peer counselor training to help other women with breastfeeding. You as a breastfeeding mother can start your own neighborhood support group to meet and discuss ongoing issues breastfeeding mothers encounter.

You can also join any breastfeeding support organization that offers some training for counselors. Google for what is available in your area. There are national giants and well as small local organizations. They all offer basic training for breastfeeding counselors. The benefit of those groups is networking of similar-minded people and access to resources they provide. However, often, you can access same resources as a mother.

You can also start an online support community or join any established parenting board or forum to share what you know, what you have experienced or what you learn about breastfeeding as you go along. Online support is big nowadays. Many mothers reach out online before they will go to an in-person meeting.

This year World Alliance for Breastfeeding theme highlights peer support, which in essence means mother-to-mother support. Perhaps, this will be your calling. The Politics of Breastfeeding book by Gabrielle Palmer says that mother-to-mother support is the baseline for breastfeeding support. 

Natalie Wilson

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