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Breastfeeding Resources

by Leslee Boldman, C.D. (DONA), CLC

Are you a brand new mother or about to become one? If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed once your baby arrives, Tallahassee has many wonderful resources for breastfeeding support.

Maybe you’re expecting your first child, or maybe you’re hoping to breastfeed more successfully than you have in the past. Maybe you’ve read every book you could get your hands on and signed up for every class, or maybe you’re planning to wing it. Maybe you’ve talked to all your friends, or received scary, unsolicited advice at the checkout counter.

No matter what category you Wt into, there are three things that are essential to breastfeeding success: education, support and conWdence. The best part is that with good education and plenty of positive support, confidence will follow.

Education can include going to a prenatal breastfeeding class, attending a support group meeting (even before your baby arrives), asking plenty of questions of experienced friends or family members and even observing to see how they breastfeed. After your baby is here, use all of this knowledge to help you find your footing. Ask questions, ask for help and ask for support. You won’t regret it. Reaching out for help when you first suspect an issue is important because when you’re feeding your baby eight to 12 times a day, the number of feedings adds up quickly.

 

Here are several of Tallahassee’s breastfeeding resources, including opportunities for group and one-on-one support:

 

Tallahassee Lactation Care

TallyLactation.com or (850) 764-5517

Services: Support group held on Mondays, 12 to 1 p.m., at 2626 Care Drive. In-home consultations with an IBCLC prenatal breastfeeding class.

 

La Leche League of Tallahassee

LLLFlorida.com/lalecheleague/groups/lll-of-tallahassee or (850) 296-8490

Services: Support group held three times per month with rotating topics. Phone and/or email support by La Leche League Leaders.

 

Mommy Market

TMH.org/mommymarket or (850)431-0468

1301 East Sixth Avenue

Services: Support group held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Prenatal pregnancy and breastfeeding classes. In-office consultations with an IBCLC. Store sells breastfeeding related items and breast pump rentals.

 

Breastfeeding Tallahassee

FB.com/groups/breastfeedingtallahassee

Online peer support group for Tallahassee mothers, moderated by the Tallahassee Doula Co-Op.

 

Certified Lactation Counselors Who Provide In-Home Support

 

Katie Bankston – LoveCraftedLactation.com or (850) 566-2800

Leslee Boldman – BoldBirth.org or (850) 597-2535

Celeste Bracey – CelesteBracey.com or (229) 393-6210

 

Honeytree Natural Foods

Honeytree.com or (850) 681-2000

A local store that sells products for breastfeeding and baby care, and rents breast pumps and infant scales. You can also bring baby to do a pre- and post-feeding weight on a Medela infant scale that is sensitive to the gram (there are roughly 30 grams in an ounce), perfect for days you can’t make it to a support group!

 

Local Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Offices:

 

Leon County WIC Office

(850) 606-8300

Two locations: 1515 Old Bainbridge Road or 872 West Orange Avenue

Wakulla County WIC Office

(850) 926-0400

84 Oak Street, Crawfordville

Services: Support groups held monthly, contact for current schedule. Prenatal breastfeeding and nutritional education. In-office support by peer counselors.

 

Leslee Boldman, C.D. (DONA), CLC, is a certified birth doula and certified lactation counselor who provides support to families on everything from conception through parenthood. For more information, please visit BoldBirth.org.

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