Where can I find more info about breastfeeding?

It's recently come to my attention that women are still as clueless about breastfeeding as I was when I was first pregnant. Not only do they know nothing more than their (gasp) OB can tell them (and that's scary), they don't know where to find good info.

Many of us heard of the La Leche League while still pregnant. They are a wonderful organization of other women who have BTDT. They can help with minor problems, offer support, and give you the real deal on growth charts for breastfed babies (oh yes, they are different than those in your pediatrician's office) or whether you really have to pump and dump on a particular medication. They are a fantastic resource for about 80% of women out there.

Then there are the rest of us. Those who either don't have the time, resources, or whatever to attend a meeting in a blue moon (and they'll still help you over the phone, so don't think you have to be a "member" to benefit), or those of us with really difficult problems.

My LLL leader was terrific. She really, really tried to help me with my problems. But my problems were 1. nearly terminal to the breastfeeding relationship and 2. much more urgent than a volunteer can attend to.

Paid help in my area wasn't much better. They were hospital nurses, and the hospitals around here pretend to be breastfeeding friendly, but rely heavily on formula as a crutch that turns into a fake set of legs very quickly.

So, what did a wired woman of today do but turn to my discussion boards on BabyCenter. If you are truly having problems with breastfeeding, or have questions that no one seems to be able to answer, turn here!  This board is co-hosted by expert Kathleen Huggins, RN, lactation consultant and author of The Nursing Mother's Companion.

The breastfeeding problems board was the ONLY thing that allowed me to breastfeed period, much less for 18 months the first time (self-weaned) and an amazing 4 years the second time.  (I'll provide links at the end)

On the boards I also learned of the most comprehensive, wonderful, in-depth website I'd ever seen on any subject, much less on the subject of breastfeeding: http://www.kellymom.com. It is absolutely amazing what you can learn on this site. (And I'm not just saying this because one of my own articles has an unsolicited link from their site! ;) ) For instance, did you know that the temporary dip in supply you experience around the time of your period is due to a calcium deficiency? 500 milligrams from the time of ovulation through your period should eliminate it. This is the kind of info you can find nowhere else!

When the Breastfeeding Problems board host told me that I likely had a problem referred to as Raynaud's Syndrome, where do you think I found the most comprehensive info?  When I had to return to work, but couldn't pump enough milk, where do you think I found the pumping tips that nearly doubled my output? And when my son was nearly diagnosed with failure to thrive, where do you think I learned it had nothing to do with my supply and everything to do with food allergies? Etc, etc, etc.

Check out the site, pass it on to your friends and family. Make sure everyone you know knows about this site. With the void of knowledge/plethora of ignorance readily available to most women about breastfeeding, this may be the best and last chance some of them have. Give them the best gift ever, that of the knowledge to empower themselves!

BabyCenter's Breastfeeding Problems Bulletin Board/Forum

BabyCenter's Extended Breastfeeding Bulletin Board/Forum

BabyCenter's Other Breastfeeding Bulletin Boards/Forums

Kellymom.com elected most resourceful site ever by Jessica Hudson :)