Mastitis, engorgement, weaning, low supply, clogged ducts, pumping, and blisters. If you’ve ever tried to breastfeed your baby, chances are you’ve dealt with some or all of these hard issues. Yes, breastfeeding is natural and can create a special bond with your child but when some of these issues arise, it’s anything but pleasant and some of us just want to give up!
Between my 3 children, I have nursed for over 68 months combined and have dealt with all of these problems at one point or another. When I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, I like most first-time moms, thought I was prepared for everything yet scared about everything at the same time. I had no idea how hard nursing would be and I dealt with engorgement and mastitis right off. Luckily, the hospital I delivered at had a nursing advocate through the La Leche League who reached out to me a week after giving birth. I’m so grateful for her expertise and support which helped me to successfully nurse my daughter for over a year.
Support from La Leche League
Athena Cottom, mother of 3 who resides in Idaho Falls, understands the struggles associated with breastfeeding well. After dealing with several hurdles nursing her first two children, she found support from a La Leche League leader after being given lots of poor information from others. She decided to become a leader herself so she could give back and help others. I had a chance to sit down this past month with Athena and find out what she and the other local leaders have to offer local families.
What do they have to offer?
We’re lucky to have a La Leche League chapter right here in Southeast Idaho with Athena and 4 other leaders of varying degrees of involvement. Each of them is willing to help anyone in their journey from being pregnant and wanting to learn about breastfeeding to those ready to wean and end their nursing adventure. Athena is truly passionate about helping moms wherever they are in their breastfeeding journey and knows that support can make all the difference in helping a mom nurse longer and enjoy it more. She has studied and gone through the qualifications necessary to become a leader so she can offer you evidence-based information. And, if there’s anything she doesn’t know, she can help you find someone who does. She has a lending library where you can check out books on a variety of topics and printouts on subjects such as milk storage and which medications you can take while nursing.
Live Support through a Helpline & Social Media
Athena and the other leaders take turns manning the helpline which anyone can call at any time and she moderates the local chapter’s Facebook page. The Facebook page has a wealth of information and will be the place to check for the location of the last playdate of the summer and also a place where you can post any questions you might have and the leaders and other moms will help you. There are online meetings through the Facebook page on the last Wednesday of the month at 8:30 pm and they will be starting regular in-person meetings in September. If you live between Pocatello and Rexburg, Athena and the other leaders are happy to help in any way you need whether you’re just starting your breastfeeding adventure or are ready to wean.
Connect with La Leche League
La Leche League of Idaho Falls and Rigby Helpline: 208-557-3922
Email a leader: idahofallslll@gmail.com
Lending Library: www.librarything.com/catalog/Iflll
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LLLofIdahoFallsandRigby/
