Warning: This post is all about breastfeeding. If the topic makes you woozy or uncomfortable, don’t read this post.
I went to a La Leche League meeting this morning to get some more info on breastfeeding. Besides me, there were four other moms (plus the leader). Three of us were pregnant (all boys!) with due dates ranging from next Thursday, to mid-Dec., to my date of the end of the year.
It was pretty informal. The leader discussed nighttime parenting tips and we were able to ask all sorts of questions.
The leader wasn’t a certified lactation consultant, but I still wanted her opinion on a few things.
I wanted to know what she suggested in terms of nursing wear. She said she found it easiest to get tank tops with built-in shelf bras and layer them under other shirts. Nursing bras were helpful, too, and she said Target had some for a decent price. She told me that when she nursed with a regular bra and pulled it up, it eventually led to a clogged milk duct which was painful.
Who knew?
She suggested I get some after my baby is born so I can have a better idea of what size to get. I don’t know how practical that will be. One mom there suggested getting one or two a few weeks before my due date to get me started. I think that’s what I’ll do.
Next, I wanted to know her opinion on the need for a breast pump to help with engorgement. She said that simply nursing the baby is the best way to relieve that, though some moms find pumps helpful. She said it was an optional thing, and I could probably wait until after the baby was born to decide on whether I need one.
I also received a folder full of handouts, which I’ll read later.
I don’t think I need to attend another meeting, but maybe I’ll change my mind after Baby is born.
It was nice to meet other moms in a similar stage of life, but I think it might be more beneficial to simply speak with a lactation consultant. I know I’ll do that before I leave the hospital, and I’ll make sure I can get one to come to my apartment if I’m having any trouble.

