BusyBusyMama RE: BF support group

[lactivist02]

I just moved out to the boonies there is no support, LLL, rental stations (we didnt even have a childrens resale untill 4 mo ago.) I want to start a BF support group, how did you do it? promote advertize etc.? I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks, Michelle LS

[dziejen]

You could check out www.lalecheleague.org to see about starting your own LLL group? If this was something you were interested in it might be helpful to have support from an established group with lots of resources. Or you could do your own thing and just advertise to get like-minded moms together and go from there...just like the LLL founders did over 50 yrs ago. Maybe put up flyers in libraries, dr. offices, hospitals, supermarket, etc. and try your best to get the word out. Try to figure out what services you would like to offer, make a plan, and go for it! Best of luck!

[dziejen]

Sorry posted twice!

[nataliekat]

Have you ever seen the website Meetup.com? You can real informally start a group in your area. I know they have a Mommy's Milk group, Attachment Parenting group, maybe more.

Then whoever goes to the site will be able to look for your group. Then you can also put up fliers anywhere and everywhere to get in touch with moms in your area. It's free and easy. Worth a try.

[Peppamint]

Hi Michelle! I just saw your post!

How I first started out was hosting a Nurse Out ( http://www.promom.org/nno/ ) last August. Seven moms and toddlers came, and unfortunately they're all weaned so they don't come to the meetings. I currently only have a couple members (a former coworker and her friend from church) but I've been finding more ways to spread the word.

*Our newspaper has a resource called "At Your Service"... people will write in asking where to find a Mary Kay consultant or a locksmith etc, so I submitted our group there.
*I made a freebie website and put lots of keywords in; like area towns, our county, state etc.
*I contacted the WIC BF counselor and gave her the info (I need to get back to her, we played phone tag forever and I gave up trying to reach her). Hmm, what else?
*I blanketed area OB and ped offices with a poster and business card. No midwives in my county, but I passed to word to my midwife who lives 45 min away.
*I emailed the LLL leaders that are 30 minutes away about the group (and they referred someone from another county who will be coming after she has her baby this weekend).
*I got business cards from VistaPrint.com for $3.99

I have some info that a mom from another breastfeeding board emailed me abotu starting a group from the group up, if you want me to fwd it to you, just email me at busybusymomma at hotmail dot com. Unfortunately, Meetup.com hasn't done anything for us but I keep it updated just in case.

HTH! LMK how it goes!

[lactivist02]

Thanks for all the info, from everyone!

I'll be emailing you.

Michelle