[..Penelope..]

I really want to start a breastfeeding support group. The amount of women I know or know of who felt unsupported and alone when breastfeeding really bothers me, and I want to do something positive about it. I also want to help moms, especially new moms like me, to feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding in public.

The basic idea for the group is to make it fun and social. The moms who want to join would meet once a week or every other week (just coming to whatever meetups they could make it to) to do different things...go for coffee, have lunch, hang out at a park, etc. We would get to know each other, talk about being moms, and just enjoy being out of the house.

What do you think? Would you join a group like that? What would make it more attractive to you?

Thanks, ladies!

[Babybear4]

I think that is a great idea. I have looked at a few different moms groups in my area but never joined because of my anxiety and wondering whether the women will judge me for my age or for how long I've been BFing, etc.

The group I was looking into joining has a mom's night, and that totally turned me off because why would I want to join in a group to meet other kids and moms and then leave my baby elsewhere, KWIM? Maybe do like family nights, where the dads can join in also. That would be something that would make me want to join a group, if my husband could get to know the people I am surrounding myself with.

[**Jenn**]

I had a woman give me her card that was the head of a Mom's group about a month ago at the park. I have a hard time joining in and talking with people I don't know so I never did it. But I wouldn't join a Mom's group without being able to take my kids because then what would I do with them? And if I had my kids there there would automatically be something to talk about. I'm inherently shy though so I may not be a good person to go by. The birth center I had Lochy and Lila at offered those kinds of groups and had I been closer I probably would have gone though. Maybe because it was in a structured setting at a set time--I need to be able to plan! lol

[JediRach]

I would but I would want to be able to take the baby with me and maybe have something every couple of months planned that didn't involve the kids, after people are more comfortable. I really like the family nights idea.

Ps: Sorry if I don't count as a BF mom yet...

[..Penelope..]

No, no! All outings would definitely have the babies there! I'm not sure how I got the wrong message across, but I would never expect breastfeeding mommies to leave their babies at home to go to a mom group!

[Frozendesire]

The one thing that I would be worried/wondering about is allowing for OTHER children as well as the one breast feeding. So like going to places that allow for siblings to play and stuff.

[..Penelope..]

Babybear4 - I don't like the idea of leaving my baby to go out with a mom's group, either. But I think if lots of the moms liked it, it would be something we could figure out together later on.
I like the idea about occasionally including the dads once the group was established. My concern would be that some of the moms might not feel comfortable with the dads being there, but that would have to be something that the group would discuss.

Jenn - I can be pretty shy, too. I'm a little worried that I wouldn't do so great as the organizer of a group.

Rachel - I was actually thinking of inviting pregnant women who wanted to breastfeed to join us. That way, they would know the other members of the group when their babies were born, and they would have an additional source of support during those first tough weeks. Also, if they wanted to, they could plan to make their first NIP experience be among a group of friends.

Stephenie - Good point! Thanks!

[ShannonMVT]

I think it's a great idea. I am part of a mom's group, it's not exclusively for BFing moms, but it started out as several of us who went to La Leche League meetings so plenty of us nurse and everyone is okay with NIP.
We do playdates at each other's houses and other outings as well (to the splash park, children's museum, etc)
We have had a couple Mother's night Out to restaurants and a couple Mother's Night In where we just talked and played games. It was actually quite awesome to go for a night out! Our babies were all asleep at home with our husbands so they weren't missing out and we got to enjoy being able to really talk without having a baby to take care of at the same time. I think this is more important as baby gets mobile, because once they are, you are always having to do something for them/redirect/keep them out of trouble at playdates, so it's nice to have an occassional baby free outing, IMO.
Oh and my group started up on meetup.com Nice site to use, but there is a fee.

[Frozendesire]

Ya I think an evening out with just the moms is a great idea. Just occasionally, no pressure to join in. I find it hard to sit and talk with other moms when I have two boys running around! I don't really do much with out them but having the option is nice

[soImarriedAnerd]

I had a group like that in New orleans. We mainly had the kiddos with us, once a month we had mom night out (and nurslings could come), it was GREAT! I found them on meetup.com

[**Jenn**]

Originally Posted by ..Penelope..

Babybear4 - I don't like the idea of leaving my baby to go out with a mom's group, either. But I think if lots of the moms liked it, it would be something we could figure out together later on.
I like the idea about occasionally including the dads once the group was established. My concern would be that some of the moms might not feel comfortable with the dads being there, but that would have to be something that the group would discuss.

Jenn - I can be pretty shy, too. I'm a little worried that I wouldn't do so great as the organizer of a group.

Rachel - I was actually thinking of inviting pregnant women who wanted to breastfeed to join us. That way, they would know the other members of the group when their babies were born, and they would have an additional source of support during those first tough weeks. Also, if they wanted to, they could plan to make their first NIP experience be among a group of friends.

Stephenie - Good point! Thanks!

I think this is an excellent idea! All around its a great idea!!!

[Mars]

Sounds like a great idea especially with the additional suggestions.