Question on BF support groups.

[Martha200]

I have been hanging on with the BF taking each day as it comes and getting through, sometimes only just, and I told myself I would go to the bf support group once I am able to drive again since I had a section, but I am now losing my nerve to go

(a) a stranger made a judgement on my one top up I do a day (not all days) and I allowed it to bug me
(b) a friend told me her friend went to a group and felt really out of place when she admitted doing a top up too.

Now I don't want to lie when I go, but are these groups just for exclusive bfeeders.. am getting in a tizz about it and worried that I am going to meet the sign of failure.. am not the most extroverted of people either but think I should go, but got my concern which is probably irrational!

Please go! There is every chance that all you will meet will be friendly, sympathetic people who will give you loads of encouragement and tell you how fab you are to be doing as well as you are.

Martha, I totally understand...when you are feeling sensitive you don't want to risk being upset.

All support groups are different, and no one can say they are all wonderfully non-judgemental - some are, but some are not. They should all be, but as they involve human beings, it can be unpredictable

How about phoning up in advance and speaking to someone who runs it, and sharing your concerns? The way they speak to you will help you judge.

I would say most groups are not for exclusive breastfeeders only, though.

BTDT Martha so huge (((((hugs))))) for you. I remember feeling very defensive about the fact that I was feeding my DS ebm via a bottle when I went to my local LLL group after DS was born. There was no need for me to feel that way - everyone was super supportive & quite impressed I had kept going for so long....I came away from the meeting grinning like an idiot feeling VERY determined that I would not be giving up & it gave me the little push I needed to try & get DS feeding from me. But I did know in the back of my mind that the group would be helpful & supportive as I had been a couple of times before so I can imagine how nervous you must feel going to a group for the first time. Tiktok's suggestion of phoning beforehand is a really good one. Have a good chat with them & say what you have above...hopefully you will find they will only be too happy to see you at the group & offer any help they can