But what does a mother do if she needs advice or support in between the monthly meetings? Her first choice may be online support groups. And why not? With the wide variety of online communities offering chats and bulletin boards, Internet newsgroups forums, and e-mail lists tailored to moms, support can be just a few keystrokes away.
Choosing the right online support depends on how quickly you need a response, how many people you would like to address, and how often you will be accessing the support group. The first article of this four-part series will focus on bulletin boards for nursing moms.
The Question:
A burning question in a nursing mother's mind is what usually steers her to a bulletin board. Perhaps she wants to know more about nipple soreness - like when it will go away! Or maybe she wants to know why one breast feels fuller than the other. For most senarios, posting on a bulletin board not only allows for follow up messages, but it allows the mother to vent. Writing down feelings can soothe anxiety and ease frustration.
The first time I posted a message on a breastfeeding board, I was anxious to receive replies to my question. I would check back daily, and each time a new post was available, I eagerly read the wisdom it contained. When new posts were not available, I would browse through other posts on the board. I began to understand the support system it held for so many. There were "regulars" who would answer various questions and offer sage advice. There were also many questions I often wondered about but never asked. Reading the replies to previous questions was like reading a book full of stories and advice from women from all over the world.
The Group:
It is hard not to feel like part of the group when you receive so many supportive responses. Part of the reason support boards thrive so well is because we all have a basic need for understanding. Even if one person says: "I know what you are going through, I felt the same way," it can make a nursing mother feel like maybe she isn't as alone as she feels. The companionship can be very uplifting.
