Heyla!
So, there is a ton of super breastfeeding support here at mdc...the nursing forum rocks, and you can find almost anything there. And some hospital and birth centers provide Lactaion Consultant support, or they can point you towards private LCs in your community.
But it's worth pulling out some info before the babe arrives...breastfeeding may be natural, but just like birth it isn't always "easy", "obvious", "straight forward", "supported by society/family", or, well... it can be tough! And painful. And really really frustrating when you're already dealing with the hormonal craziness and sleep deprivation of a new babe in the house,
---For the world's best breastfeeding website, check out Kellymom (
http://www.kellymom.com/). This site has EVERYTHING. Safe herbs and medications, supply issues and solutions, diet (for nursing mamas), weight gain (for nursing babes), tandem nursing, weaning, manners, problems, introducing solids, pumping, going back to work, etc. I have never run into a nursing question that wasn't covered by Kellymom!
---And anytime you need some real world support, there's La Leche League. Local leaders are only a phone call away. But there is a national help line too at 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-525-3243) for 24 hour toll-free breastfeeding support.
---And there are plenty of great books out there about breastfeeding. One sort of specialized book is "The nursing mother's herbal" by Sheila Humphrey. It's not a general breastfeeding book, but it is a very natural family living sort of book. The chapters are:
Chapter 1: Breastfeeding: The Gold Standard of Infant Nutrition
Chapter 2: Breastfeeding Support
Chapter 3: The Breastfeeding Relationship: A Dyad
Chapter 4: Educating Yourself about Herbs and Herbal Products
Chapter 5: Your Healthcare Options: Who or What Can Help
Chapter 6: Caring for Yourself after Birth
Chapter 7: Your Milk Supply
Chapter 8: Breast Problems: What Can Help
Chapter 9: Health and Safety Tips for You and Your Baby
Chapter 10: Weaning Your Baby
