More Than Anything, Breastfeeding Moms Need Support, Havertown Woman Says

Breastfeeding—it’s natural and normal, but still some women find a lack of support for it.

August 1 through 7 is World Breastfeeding Week. To mark that, Haverford Patch spoke with Havertown resident Christina Duff who provides breastfeeding support as part of her business Well Born Baby.

What breastfeeding services do you offer?

We provide breastfeeding education with an International Board Certified lactation consult and with a certified lactation educator. We also do home visits after a woman has had her baby to help with lactation issues. In addition to support groups, we run a Mommy Morning Coffee every Friday except first Fridays of the month. And as part of our doula services we give breastfeeding support immediately after a baby is born.

How did you get involved in this business?

I was going to go to med school, but chose not to go that route. For my first child, I had very good midwife experience. I decided to become doula as a hobby, which grew into more than what I thought it would be. In October, Well Born Baby will be 7 years old.

What do you think general attitude is toward breastfeeding?

In this area, it seems to be fairly well accepted, but sometimes moms maybe don’t feel as comfortable in public places. Most of the women we encounter because of what we do are determined to breastfeed and are successful. Those who are coming for their second baby, we have heard that they’ve been told that there’s no difference between bottle and breast and they don’t feel supported. But the trend seems to be turning toward support of breastfeeding.

Why is breastfeeding such a good thing?

The health benefits are the top reason. For moms, there is a decreased risk of breast cancer. For babies, it’s good for their immune systems, and they learn their own hunger cues. Also, for hormone levels and bonding and everything else that takes place with mom and baby. And how easy it is. Financial savings are a factor, too.

Is there anything else you want to add about breastfeeding?

We hear a lot ‘I wanted to breastfeed but I couldn’t.’ Most everyone can breastfeed, it’s just really important in the early days to have as much support as possible. There are so many groups in this area that supply breastfeeding support.

Some local breastfeeding support resources

La Leche League Meetings

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Old Haverford Friend's Meeting, Eagle Road and St. Denis Lane. For more information contact:

• Barb 610-789-3032 bhinski@hotmail.com

Morning Toddler Group in Havertown

Meetings for mothers nursing beyond a year are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Old Haverford Friend's Meeting, Eagle Road and St. Denis Lane. For more information contact:

• Barb 610-789-3032 bhinski@hotmail.com

Main Line Health

Bryn Mawr Hospital Groups

Every Thursday from 2-3 pm, Conference Room F, 2nd floor, E wing

Saturday Breastfeeding Working Mothers Group
Limited only to moms who are currently back to work Every other Saturday from 11 am- 12 noon Clothier Living Room Terry Sanborn RN, IBCLC and Jillian Hatch RNC, IBCLC will be leading the discussions for the above two groups and a scale is provided to weigh babies.

Lankenau Hospital Group 

Every Monday from 2-3 pm, Health Education Center (inside main entrance) A certified breastfeeding professional from the Mother Baby Unit will be leading this group and a scale is provided to weigh babies.

Paoli Hospital Groups 

Third Wednesday every month 9:45- 10:45 am: Henrietta Hankin Library Chester Springs- Janet Graczyk IBCLC will be leading this group. First Monday every month 2-3 pm: Green Room, 2 Industrial Blvd. Paoli. Amy Siegrist IBCLC will be leading this group. A scale will be provided at both groups to weigh babies. For more information, please call 484 565 8075.

The Birth Center

Rosemont Plaza, Rosemont
Every other Thursday Starting January 5
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Babies
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. –Mobile Babies

Nursing Mothers Alliance

We hold a weekly group every Friday at 10 a.m. at Wegman’s King of Prussia.