Has anyone ever started a BF'ing Peer Support Group?

[Peppamint]

I hosted a local Nurse Out yesterday in recognition of WBW. Our local newspaper printed out a nice big article that was on the front page of the Lifestyle section. Lots of people I know saw the article and complimented me on it and I had six moms, five babies (one mom was a former coworker on her lunch break so her dd was in daycare) and one grandma (my mom!).

So anyway, I met five new moms whom I hadn't met before. They are all interested in a bf'ing peer support group. I want this to be more than just a playgroup (there's nothing wrong at all with that, I am part of an awesome five mom playgroup), but I'm looking to have a way for pregnant/new moms who want to breastfeed to get some support from their peers. KWIM? There's no LLL in our county, so I don't think I would stepping on toes.

So any ideas or info I should have? I want to get started, but not sure exactly where to start.

[Tupelo Honey]

Yep, I host a weekly bf peer-based support group. My situation is a bit different because it ties into my business, but I think it could easily work even if I were to host it at home or someplace else (a child-friendly coffeeshop or restaurant during a non-peak time, a free meeting space at a library, etc).

I actually have an LLL leader who helps facilitate my group because sometimes business calls me away, but she does not represent LLL while she's here, and we do not bill our meeting as an LLL meeting. However, you can use LLL materials. The Breastfeeding Answer Book is a great resource. Also, at www.breastfeedingonline.com there are some great printable handouts by Dr. Jack newman. We usually have a topic of discussion every week (some examples: how did your family's attitudes towrd breastfeeding affect you, eitherpositively or negatively; How can Dads/partners be involved in nurturing the baby, etc). Then we have a period where anyone can ask questions, express concerns, vent, etc. Then we usually sit and just talk for awhile.

And in case you're interested, it is much easier to become an API (attachment parenting international) leader than an LLL leader. Then you can host a monthly group that addresses breastfeeding as well as other parenting issues. I am a local API leader as of just a few months ago. It's fun!

[Peppamint]

Originally Posted by Tupelo Honey

Yep, I host a weekly bf peer-based support group. My situation is a bit different because it ties into my business, but I think it could easily work even if I were to host it at home or someplace else (a child-friendly coffeeshop or restaurant during a non-peak time, a free meeting space at a library, etc).

I actually have an LLL leader who helps facilitate my group because sometimes business calls me away, but she does not represent LLL while she's here, and we do not bill our meeting as an LLL meeting. However, you can use LLL materials. The Breastfeeding Answer Book is a great resource. Also, at www.breastfeedingonline.com there are some great printable handouts by Dr. Jack newman. We usually have a topic of discussion every week (some examples: how did your family's attitudes towrd breastfeeding affect you, eitherpositively or negatively; How can Dads/partners be involved in nurturing the baby, etc). Then we have a period where anyone can ask questions, express concerns, vent, etc. Then we usually sit and just talk for awhile.

And in case you're interested, it is much easier to become an API (attachment parenting international) leader than an LLL leader. Then you can host a monthly group that addresses breastfeeding as well as other parenting issues. I am a local API leader as of just a few months ago. It's fun!

That's a cool idea (about API). What does that entail? I'll go check out the website. Nearest group if I recall correctly is Indianapolis, so over an hour away.

I was going to start a holistic moms group (have you seen the banner ad here at MDC), but it costs $35 to join. I can't pay that... and I don't feel right asking a mom to pay up when she probably just needs to be with other moms. KWIM?

(Having to pay is part of the reason I've never checked out MOPS!)

Thanks for the tips!

[Tupelo Honey]

You just have to read a few books that you may have already read, like Dr. Sears's The Discipline Book, and go through an "interview" process via email, where you answer questions about how you would handle certain situations, tell about yourself, stuff like that.

API does have a membership fee, but you don't have to join to come to the meetings (just like LLL). They are thinking of requiring leaders to join because they organization is really struggling right now, but so far that hasn't happened.

[Peppamint]

Originally Posted by Tupelo Honey

You just have to read a few books that you may have already read, like Dr. Sears's The Discipline Book, and go through an "interview" process via email, where you answer questions about how you would handle certain situations, tell about yourself, stuff like that.

API does have a membership fee, but you don't have to join to come to the meetings (just like LLL). They are thinking of requiring leaders to join because they organization is really struggling right now, but so far that hasn't happened.

Okay, I found a page where it said the fee to start a group is $60. <gulp> I'd love to, but I'm in dire need of a new pair of running shoes and I'll have to charge them as it is. KWIM?

I understand the fee though, it looks like you get a lot of good info and a tax ID#.