I have 2 experiences of support groups.
The first was an ante-natal group at the local health centre. Nescafe on offer (Oh, said the midwife, I didn’t know it was Nestle) and then the midwife and I had an argument because she said that when you have ‘baby’ (I do so hate the ‘the’ being missed out) you will instantly bond with it. I know people who have hated their children on sight and I asked what help would be available if that happened and the midwife said ‘It won’t happen, you will bond with baby’. I didn’t go to any more ante-natal groups.
My second experience of support groups was with the local La Leche League. This was a whole lot better though I did feel slightly intimidated by the sheer amount of Boden compared to my Primark I felt welcomed and included. I went to quite a few La Leche meetings and though I didn’t feel like I fitted in I did feel liked and supported.
So what makes a good support group? The La Leche groups were held in a beautiful large rambling house and the Ante-Natal group in a grotty little room in a health centre. The La Leche groups were mostly composed of middle class affluent women, the Ante-Natal group was from my area, which is mostly immigrants with English as a second language. Was it the subject matter the groups covered? Both had a topic for that week though the angle was rather different, where the Ante-Natal group would cover pain relief and medical intervention the La Leche League would cover breastfeeding positions and herbalism.
What do you think? Have you been to any great groups? What made them great? If you were setting up a group and had all the money in the world to do it what would it look like? What would happen in the meetings?
I’m enjoying giving out Mothers Milk Marketing Boards Seal of Approval Awards so if there are any great ones that deserve recognition please tell me why.
Lisa
Care Instructions – Shopping Bag 
Mummy Milk Rocks – Shopping Bag 
Any Old Cow – Shopping Bag 
Ooooh well money no object (how exciting!)there would be a large room with toys and so on for toddlers and preschoolers on one side and an area for babies and Mummies on another; creche workers to entertain the older kids; a library of books and DVDs to borrow; well trained and supported group leaders who were paid for their time, in appropriate numbers for the volume of group attendees, so that there was always someone available to talk through issues with an individual Mum, but also always someone to lead a group topic; the group topic should change each week and be interesting, though led by the clientele; the group should be at lunchtime and a buffet should be provided so everyone gets to eat and drink; the leaders should welcome very new person and find them a seat / get them a drink.
The venue should be in a public place served well by local transport links but also have good parking. The windows should not look out onto a very public area. The group should be FUN but also supportive, educational, motivational and some where ladies want to go.
It would be well-promoted with a glossy flyer, visits from the leaders of the group into antenatal clinics / parentcraft sessions, and ads in the local news till it got the momentum going.
I think that’s it… what have I missed?!!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
You missed naked waiters and mountains of chocolates
I love the sound of your group! Thank you!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Having never been to any other breastfeeding support group to compare I have to say that the group I go to when I can are excellent! Run by the Breastfeeding Network, we have coffee (fairtrade at the moment), sandwiches & cake and there’s plenty of help & support for new mums or even experienced mums should they need it. I went along not knowing anyone and was made so welcome. They helped me with sorting out myself for expressing at work and even do hospital visits and run a buddy scheme. They are all brilliant!!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Much what Shel says. There must be cake. The LLL group I’m part of is much like what Shel describes…..in an unpaid, homemade sort of a way. Enough leaders to lead the group, greet new mothers and help on an individual basis. Enough regulars so that there’s always a mum or 2 who can entertain the toddlers while other mothers get what they need from leaders or from the other mothers. Interesting topics, chance for mothers’ questions, fun and laughter too.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0