CHA Cambridge Breastfeeding Support Group

CHA staff here provide expecting moms and early post partum moms with general support and advice around breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding.
The support group on Tue and Thu is specifically for moms who have questions or concerns or just want a comfortable place to feed baby for a little while. It’s an open door and you don’t need to call ahead.
8 Camelia is a house across from the entrance of the Cambridge hospital and the front door is unlocked, but you have to buzz in the next door. There are stairs outside so if you have a stroller, just be prepared to carry it up. There’s a place to store it in the unlocked entry. Car seats can be brought into the first floor support room but if it’s busy, expect to leave it in the hall. Staff are prepared to help you hold baby while you use the bathroom or gather yourself. The room has a changing table, a handful of nursing pillows gliders, a couch, and foot stools. Think of the room as your college apartment tightly set up with a current of chairs and a changing table in the corner. A window AC keeps the space cool enough on hot days.
Parking is available in the hospital garage but I’m not sure about validation/​cost. If you’re a Cambridge resident, of course you can street park, but not on Camelia.
If you’re wondering if it’s right for you, stop asking questions and just try it. Come in when it’s convenient for free advice and support from breastfeeding moms who are more than likely going through similar things. Of course every mom and baby is different, so you may hear advice that doesn’t apply… And you may need to be a little patient on a busy day. The only thing you need to bring is baby and maybe some diapers. Don’t worry about covering up!
Okay, should I go? Some questions you might be asking yourself:
+ are my boobs working?
+ should it hurt this much?
+ what’s happening to my nipples/​breasts/​etc?
+ am I feeding too much/​too little?
+ will the constant feeding every slow down?
…these are just some questions (emphasis on some)
Maybe you just want a small bit of advice to get you started. Here are my tips (thanks to experience, friends, support groups, and the internet):
1. Use lanolin on your nipples after feeding baby. It’s safe for baby. No need to wash off.
2. Trust your maternal instincts and feed the baby!
3. Unless you feel pain even a minute after starting a feeding… In this case, call the lactation consultant (Newton)
4. When milk comes in (48 – 72 hrs after baby comes), it reeeeeally comes in. Expect your boobs to feel tight, hard, and just plain full. It will not be like this forever but it will be uncomfortable for at least 24 hrs
5. A great resource while you’re feeding through the night:
; type some key words of concern and include Kelly in search to find a great resource for when no one will want to take your calls!
Good luck! You and baby are going to make it. :-)