Finding Breastfeeding Support in Oakland County

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Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey that can foster a deep bond between mother and baby, but you may have heard that it can also come with it’s fair share of hurdles and as much as we wish it wasn’t true, it definitely is. Whether you're a first-time mom or have more experience, seeking support when planning to breastfeed is crucial. Oakland County offers numerous resources to help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey with confidence and ease and we’re here to share some valuable resources.

Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Clinics

Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals specializing in breastfeeding support. They can assist with latch issues, milk supply concerns, and offer general advice. Oakland County has several clinics and hospitals with certified lactation consultants.

  • Beaumont Health: Beaumont's Parenting Program provides access to lactation consultants and offers breastfeeding classes and support groups. They are dedicated to helping new moms with personalized care.

  • Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital: This hospital offers a comprehensive breastfeeding support program with board-certified lactation consultants available for appointments and inpatient care.

  • Detroit Dreams: Our incredible team of doulas, lactation consultants, lactation counselors, and newborn care specialists have a wide-range of expertise surrounding breastfeeding. We can assist with basics like helping your baby latch and also assist with more clinical concerns like tongue ties, painful latch, low weight and more. Reach out to find breastfeeding support!

  • Southeast Michigan IBCLC'S of Color: In Detroit, racial inequities lead to breastfeeding rates of about 30 percent for Black families with infant mortality more than twice the national average (1). Southeast Michigan IBCLC’s of Color (SEMI) consistently ‘show up’ for families by providing services, developing advocacy, leveraging relationships, and mentoring countless other professionals entering the field of Black maternal health work.

Breastfeeding Support Groups

Connecting with other breastfeeding mothers can provide a sense of community and shared experience. Support groups are a great place to exchange tips, receive encouragement, and feel supported.

  • La Leche League of Oakland County: A well-known international organization, La Leche League hosts regular meetings where mothers can share their experiences and get advice from accredited leaders and peers.

  • Nature’s Playhouse Infant and Toddler Feeding Clinic This wonderful clinic in Ferndale embraces and supports all feeding journeys including formula feeding, exclusive pumping, combo feeding, supplemental nursing systems and induced lactation. Drop in available Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 12-3pm

  • Oakland County WIC Program: WIC offers breastfeeding support groups alongside their nutritional assistance programs, providing both professional and peer support.

Online Resources and Virtual Support

For those who may have difficulty attending in-person meetings, there are numerous online resources available. Virtual support can be just as effective and often more convenient.

  • Telehealth Lactation Consultations: Many hospitals and private lactation consultants offer virtual consultations, allowing you to receive expert advice from the comfort of your home. Our team offers both in-person and virtual support.

  • Breastfeeding USA: Provides online support from trained breastfeeding counselors through their website and social media channels.

  • KellyMom: A comprehensive online resource offering evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting.

Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces and Public Spaces

Navigating breastfeeding after returning to work or while out in public can be challenging. Oakland County is becoming increasingly breastfeeding-friendly, with more workplaces and public areas accommodating nursing mothers.

  • Breastfeeding Rooms: Many public places, including libraries, shopping centers, and airports, now offer designated breastfeeding rooms. Oakland County libraries, for instance, have comfortable spaces for nursing mothers.

  • Employer Support: Michigan law requires employers to provide breastfeeding mothers with a private space (not a bathroom) and reasonable break time to express milk.

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not uncommon to face obstacles along the way. Fortunately, Oakland County is rich with resources to support mothers through this experience and help is readily available from our team. By reaching out and taking advantage of these resources, you can find the support you need to make your breastfeeding journey a successful and fulfilling one.