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Top 6 Places to Find Breastfeeding Support in Mechanicsburg, PA

Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of motherhood, but it can also be one of the most challenging. Breastfeeding support in Mechanicsburg is crucial to a positive and successful breastfeeding journey.

I remember being so adamant about breastfeeding my first and also being so shocked at how it didn’t come as naturally as I expected! I got home from the hospital and decided I wasn’t going to breastfeed and I was just going to pump and feed. However, I quickly realized that’s even MORE work and I set out to master the art of breastfeeding my son. It wasn’t always easy, but it was definitely awesome. I have breastfed all three of my children in varying capacities and lengths of time. Sometimes supplementing with formula (after establishing my supply) and with my daughter she exclusively breastfed, no formula, no bottles (hello exhausting!!)

Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, there may come a time when you need a little extra help and support with breastfeeding and there’s no shame in that!

In this post, I’m sharing my knowledge and experience to help you know when you should seek breastfeeding support and where you can find it. Like I said, this is my knowledge and experience so if you have any questions about if you should seek support scroll down to Where to Find Breastfeeding Support below and reach out to a professional in York, PA!

Mom snuggling her newborn baby boy in a soft floral dress while he wears a fuzzy romper in their Mechanicsburg PA photos

When to Seek Breastfeeding Support

The first few days after birth
After having a c-section with my first, it was a lot harder than I expected to breastfed. Between the meds I was given for pain and the awkward IV in my arm, nursing was challenging to say the least! The first few days after birth can be an overwhelming time for new moms, and this is when seeking breastfeeding support is crucial.

In these early days of your Mechanicsburg breastfeeding journey, it’s common for both mom and baby to be learning the ropes and adjusting to the new experience of breastfeeding.

If you’re experiencing:

  • Difficulty latching your baby
  • Potential low milk supply
  • or you think your baby isn’t getting enough milk… 

Don’t hesitate to seek out professional help. Experts can help you with proper positioning, latch techniques, and other tips to ensure successful breastfeeding. 

Support can often prevent more significant breastfeeding challenges down the road, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help as soon as you need it (and we’ll talk more about those options in this blog post)

If you experience pain or discomfort while breastfeeding

While some mild discomfort is expected as you and your baby adjust, ongoing or severe pain is a sign that something is not right.

If you’re experiencing pain, soreness, or discomfort while breastfeeding, it’s time to seek support. There are professionals who can assess your breastfeeding technique, check your baby’s latch, and offer suggestions to improve your comfort while breastfeeding. 

Delaying seeking help can lead to more severe pain or even infection. For the most part, breastfeeding should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and there is no need to suffer in silence!

Don’t be afraid to ask for the LC at your Mechanicsburg area hospital. They are busy, so be the squeaky wheel if they don’t come see you in a reasonable time and absolutely insist on getting your latch assessed before you’re discharged from the hospital. Many of the nurses are super experienced as well, so don’t be afraid to ask them to help either.

If your baby isn’t gaining weight or is losing weight

If your baby isn’t gaining weight or is losing weight, it might be time to seek some breastfeeding support. While it’s normal for babies to lose a little weight in the first few days after birth, if they’re not gaining it back or continue to lose weight, that’s a red flag that something isn’t right. 

Don’t panic – there’s help available! (Scroll down to “Where to Find Breastfeeding Support in York”)

If you’re struggling with milk supply

If you’re worried that your milk supply isn’t keeping up with your baby’s demands, it might be time to seek some help. 

But before you do, let’s make sure you’re actually struggling with milk supply. 

The internet has created some highly unrealistic expectations when it comes to milk supply. Seeing endless “freezer stashes” and full bottles of breastmilk have created the idea that your supply may not be good enough. However, your baby is much more efficient at removing milk from your breast than a pump ever will be, so this isn’t a great indicator of your supply.

Are you getting fewer than six wet diapers a day? Is your baby fussy and seems like they’re still hungry even after a feed? If so, it’s time to seek some help from a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if your milk supply is the issue or if there’s something else going on. And if it is a milk supply issue, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to boost your milk production and keep your little one well-fed.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed about breastfeeding

I wish someone had told me this! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed when it comes to breastfeeding, that in and of itself is reason to seek support! Breastfeeding can be a challenging and emotional journey, and it’s totally normal to feel like you’re struggling to keep up.

Use the resources below to reach out to either a professional or a friend. Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear and a little encouragement to help you through the tough times. You’re doing an amazing job providing for your baby, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

Where to Find Breastfeeding Support

There are a lot of resources both online and offline for new moms who are seeking breastfeeding support. 

Here are some of the most common options: 

Healthcare provider

Your healthcare provider can be a great resource for breastfeeding support. They can provide guidance on common issues like latching and positioning, as well as refer you to a lactation consultant if necessary. 

Pros: Covered by most insurance plans, convenient, reliable. 

Cons: Limited time during appointments, may not be specialized in lactation support.

Lactation consultants or breastfeeding counselors

Lactation consultants are highly trained professionals who can provide one-on-one support to help you overcome breastfeeding challenges. Some hospitals and birth centers have lactation consultants on staff, and there are also private lactation consultants available for hire. Breastfeeding counselors may not have the same level of training as lactation consultants, but they can still provide valuable support and guidance.

Pros: Highly specialized, personalized support, reliable. 

Cons: Can be costly, may not be covered by insurance (in the US).

Lindsey Mulholland with LOVVE Lactation

Michelle Chronister – LC with Wellspan

IBCLC with UPMC

PA Breastfeeding Coalition

La Leche League

La Leche League is an international organization that provides breastfeeding education and support to moms. They offer local meetings, online forums, and a 24-hour helpline. 

Pros: Free or low-cost, supportive community, reliable information. 

Cons: May not be available in all areas, may not be as personalized as other options.

The closest La Leche League is in Lancaster.

Online breastfeeding communities and forums

There are many online communities and forums where you can connect with other moms who are breastfeeding. These can be a great source of support and encouragement, as well as a place to get answers to your breastfeeding questions. 

Pros: Convenient, accessible 24/7, free. 

Cons: May not be reliable sources of information, may not be as personalized as other options.

Breastfeeding Mama Talk

Harrisburg/Mechanicsburg Breastfeeding Support Group

Breastfeeding support groups

There are many local breastfeeding support in Mechanicsburg groups where you can connect with other breastfeeding moms and get support and guidance from a facilitator. These can be found through hospitals, community centers, and other local organizations. 

Pros: Free or low-cost, supportive community, reliable information. 

Cons: May not be available in all areas, may not be as personalized as other options.

According to a Facebook contributor, “Penn State Hampden Hospital has a Mother’s Circle on the second floor every Wednesday at 11 a.m. – noon and they always have a member of their lactation team there to help new moms learn and answer all your questions!”

Friends and family members who have breastfeeding experience

Finally, don’t discount the value of support from friends and family members who have breastfed before. They can provide encouragement, empathy, and practical advice based on their own experiences. 

Pros: Free, personalized support, convenient. 

Cons: May not have the same level of expertise as other options, may not be available if you don’t know anyone with breastfeeding experience.

When deciding on the best source of support for you, consider factors like cost, convenience, reliability, and the level of personalized support you need. Don’t be afraid to try out different options until you find the one that works best for you and your baby.

Soft snuggles as a mom and dad love on their new baby girl and discuss the breastfeeding support in Mechanicsburg PA

Conclusion:

Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help or support when it comes to breastfeeding. 

Seeking assistance from a professional or a support group can make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the many resources available to you as a breastfeeding mom. You’ve got this!


I hope reading Top 6 Places to Find Breastfeeding Support and Help in Mechanicsburg, PA has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a Mechanicsburg Newborn Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of newborn images.

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