Traditionally, many new moms found breastfeeding support through their peers, at breastfeeding support groups and via in-person lactation visits. In 2020, much of that changed. For new mothers in 2020, in-person support was and remains severely lacking. Unfortunately, it was necessary for safety. So, new moms are turning to breastfeeding support online.

As a breastfeeding counselor, or a breastfeeding counselor student, are you ready to help new moms with breastfeeding support online?

With dozens of websites, new mom forums, and books available, it can be difficult for new moms to find evidenced based lactation support. This is where lactation professionals, such as certified breastfeeding counselors, come into play.

Why New Mothers Are Turning To Online Breastfeeding Support

Peer breastfeeding support has long been a corner stone for lactation support. Experienced mothers guiding and supporting new mothers. Fellow new mothers provided a sense of comradery through the challenging early weeks and months of breastfeeding.

IBCLC lactation counselor, La Leche League leaders, and certified breastfeeding counselors (CBC) provided in-person support in group settings as well as one-on-one.

Unfortunately, 2020 changed the way new mothers could receive support. With social distancing, safer at home orders, and suggestions to limit outings, few new mothers could receive in-person support.

Fortunately, we live in an era with easy access to information, video support, and phone support. The challenge, how do mothers know they’re getting quality, evidenced based support? How do new mothers get individualized lactation recommendations specific to their unique circumstances?

New mothers are turning to online breastfeeding support because information and connection remain important. They’re unable to get in-person connection and support so the internet is the next best thing. However, as professionals, it’s important we also become part of online breastfeeding support.

Why? We need to reach mothers with accurate, evidenced-based, personalized lactation support.

How Do I Provide Virtual Lactation Visits?

In some areas, it is considered safe to hold one-on-one in-person lactation services. However, in other areas, it is still considered best to avoid contact with people outside your household unless absolutely necessary.

In some cases, in-person lactation services may be vital for a mother baby dyad, in which case proper safety measures should be taken.

In other cases, quality and evidenced based support can take place virtually through live video calls. If you have a client in need of personalized lactation support when in-person isn’t an option, there are many ways to support her.

A live video call allows you to observe a feed and latch, assess how she feels during feeds, and watch positioning. In the same way you would observe a feed in person, you can do so over a video call.

The challenge with video support comes with demonstrating a proper latch and options for positioning. It’s also difficult for you to assess baby’s suck. With good communication, however, your client can help described these things.

It can be helpful to have props, such as a faux breast and doll, to demonstrate a proper latch. Audio visual aids, such as a video demonstrating a good latch, can also be used. Finally, use your own body and a doll to show your client a variety of breastfeeding positions.

With good communication and props, you can walk your client through a typical personalized lactation session through video calls.

Be sure to read Providing Virtual Lactation Support for more tips on providing support.

How Do I Support Peer Connection?

Peer breastfeeding support has been shown to improve rates for breastfeeding duration. There’s a huge role for professional lactation support, but peer support is also vital. During typical times, many certified breastfeeding counselors host breastfeeding support groups.

Unfortunately, group meetings aren’t safe in many areas right now. So, how can you support peer connections?

Many CBCs and other lactation professionals have started offering virtual support groups via video chats, online groups, and more. As a CBC, hosting online groups is a great way to make community connections while supporting your clients in finding peer support.

Peer support groups overseen by professionals have a unique advantage to peer only groups. You’ll have the opportunity to provide evidenced-based information and combat any common breastfeeding myths. You can help new moms learn when peer support is sufficient and when a professional lactation visit is warranted.

With virtual peer groups, you have the chance to network your business while also supporting your community. Peer support is a vital part of the breastfeeding journey for many. You have the unique opportunity to facilitate these peer connections even when in-person support isn’t a safe option.

Even once in-person support can resume, some parents still find online support invaluable. Mothers who return to work, have older children, busy schedules, etc., are still in need of support even when getting to a support group is impossible. Online communities are a great way to support these busy moms.

As breastfeeding support online continues to grow in popularity and demand, you can use your CBC skills to support your community. One client at a time, one group meeting at a time, you are supporting lactation rates in your area.