I always refer back to Evergreen Hospitals (kirkland WA) breastfeeding
program and their model mother baby unit and follow up. Post partum Molly
Pessel leads these women in "Mother Baby Groups". You do not have to be a
breastfeeding mother, but most I believe are (this IS Evergreen afterall).
They discuss all sorts of issues but breastfeeding is always a big one. I
believe that peer pressure is a wonderful tool ( I'm sure Molly figured this
out and is doing these groups in part because she knows that much of what
mothers do today is dictated by what is fasionable). So why not make
breastfeeding fashionable! Anyway, pathetic motivator, but whatever works,
works! I've witnessed some of these groups in action and they are
Dynamite(sp?). They stay in these groups for quite a while, not quite sure
how long, but these moms go on to volunteer as "mother mentors" in the
hospital helping news moms to ease into breastfeeding and I'm sure get that
essential "peer support". As sad as it is to say, these moms need to know
that breastfeeding is the norm,  the work that they may or may not have to do
is worth it, and  along the way there will be other moms "friends" that she
can talk with and be supported by. They will be a part of a group of very
special mothers and feel a sense of pride vs. a sense of guilt for resorting
to ABM.
 Anyway, I really feel that we should offer  "Mother Baby Groups" as opposed
to "breastfeeding support groups". Why not just put them together and let
them learn from each other. As long as a trained facilitator is there to
answer questions and blow the myths away all would fine. I suppose there are
dangers of BF mothers going to ABM but I would reckon that some of those ABM
users would contemplate BF the next time, I've even had a few that
relactated! Let's not seperate them but unite them.

Well I've gone on long enough, food for thought anyway. I'm sure many of you
are already following this model. It would
be great to hear your stories.

Blessings!
Nina J. Lanphear
In Seattle where summer still hasn't arrived
 and we've all got winter colds :( So if I made a few typos and
sound like I have no idea what I'm talking about, just remind yourself "she's
on decongestants!"