Newsgroups:
Newsgroups are interesting forums. They are notorious for containing spam messages and other unrelated content, but this is easily overlooked when you see the diversity each group contains. Each time I look at some of the more popular newsgroups for breastfeeding moms (listed below), I see a wide range of subject headings. Questions about the first few weeks of nursing all the way to weaning issues are common on a day-to-day basis.
Newsgroups are perhaps the most "laid back" forums in the sense that they are virtually un-moderated (and even when they are, it is mostly to control spam), so different views and opinions are abundant. Unlike chats and bulletin boards on the Net, newsgroups rarely have rules about what the content should be. Strong remarks and "flame wars" are common. This can deter the first-time user, but can be overlooked to reach the gold mine of support and companionship.
And sometimes it is nice to be able to participate in "hot" topics such as the Ezzo method of parenting or the boycott of Nestle. Reading and responding to these types of discussions may bring a nursing mother closer to her feelings regarding the more controversial aspects of nursing, such as extended breastfeeding or nursing in public. And reading other women's strong opinions may also bring a better understanding of why it is important to become an advocate of breastfeeding. After responding to a view a mother posted (which was much different from mine) about putting a newborn on a strict feeding schedule, I felt an even stronger need to share what I had learned about nursing on cue. It also made me more aware of how much Justin had benefited from nursing when he was hungry - instead of when the clock said it was time.
So if you are looking for more of an "anything goes" type of discussion forum, newsgroups for breastfeeding moms are a good choice. The support and advice offered are often very helpful and diverse, and the opinions are a little stronger which can help produce a more emotional awareness of the breastfeeding relationship between mother and child, society's views, and other important issues.
