Stephanie Nguyen, a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, started Modern Milk as a gathering spot where new moms could find breastfeeding help, along with mom-and-baby fitness classes, parenting classes and a supportive community.
Modern Milk — with locations in Scottsdale and Gilbert — offers breastfeeding support groups/classes including Happy Boob Group and Happy Mom School. Here’s what Nguyen, a Scottsdale mother of two girls, shared about common breastfeeding hurdles and how to get help.
What are some of the most common problems moms have when starting breastfeeding? The most common problems I see in the early weeks of breastfeeding are related to a shallow latch and sore nipples. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, and if it does, you probably need to work on getting a deeper latch onto the breast (not just the nipple). Having an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant help you with latching can be the best decision you ever make! Many moms who come into our office with sore nipples walk out smiling, because it doesn’t hurt anymore!
What’s your best advice for moms who find they are struggling? Don’t struggle alone! Find a support group (there are many across the Valley) or an IBCLC near you who can help. Oftentimes, you just need a little help and coaching to get you on track and feeling confident about breastfeeding. Another bonus of establishing a relationship with an IBCLC early on is you’ll have someone to contact should you have other issues during your time breastfeeding.
What are some of the biggest obstacles for moms for continuing to breastfeed, and how do you help them address those obstacles? There are always going to be challenges along the way, such as plugged ducts, decreased milk supply, thrush, breasts leaking, pumping at work, etc. One thing I like to remind moms is that breastfeeding is not “one-size-fits-all.” What worked for your mom, your sister or your friend may not work for you. When challenges arise, it’s best to consult a professional so they can get you back on track ASAP!
You built Modern Milk in part to give moms a supportive community. What happens in classes like Modern Milk’s Happy Boob Group? We think it’s so important for new moms to get out of the house and connect with other moms and babies. In our technology-filled world, it’s easy to stay at home and Google all your mom questions, but nothing compares to sitting next to another mom and bonding over your lack of sleep and your baby’s feeding schedule. In our weekly Happy Boob Group, led by an IBCLC, moms take turns asking questions and sharing about their breastfeeding experience. Not only does our IBCLC lend advice, but the peer support in these groups is wonderfully helpful.
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