Evanston Wilmette
Links &
Resources
Click on any of the underlined links below
for more information.
New Beginnings Parent Blog/Magazine
La Leche League USA's parenting online blog and magazine back issues.
An international magazine full of inspiring stories, helpful information, and news and reviews for expectant parents, breastfeeding moms, their families and supporters at all stages of the parenting jouney.
Doctors or pharmacist may have told you not to breastfeed while having a specific procedure, or needed medication. Infant Risk & Mommy meds can give you more accurate detailed information and possible alternatives to discuss with your doctor. MOST MOTHERS DO NOT NEED TO DISCONTINUE BREASTFEEDING OR PUMP & DUMP WHILE ON MEDICATION.
The InfantRisk Center is open to answer calls Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Central Standard Time. (806)-352-2519. Physician and mommy apps available.
The InfantRisk Center and Mommymeds provides up-to-date evidence-based information on the use of medications and substance use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and related nausea, and depression.
" Our goal is to provide accurate information regarding the risks of exposure to mothers and their babies. By educating healthcare professionals and the general public alike, we aim to reduce the number of birth defects as well as create healthy breastfeeding relationships. "
Frequently Asked Questions
Here the leaders of this group will answer just a few of the questions, we hear most often.
For specific questions or further resources on a topic, please contact us directly by phone, text, email or through this website.
All of these links may not be endorsed by La Leche League and we are not responsible for the full content of their website.
Many of the ways mother's are taught to breastfeed are better suited to bottle feeding than feeding at the breast. Because nearly a whole generation in the U.S.A did not breastfeed, many techniques were devoped that worked against babies natural insticts that help them know how to feed at the breast.
Many vidoes are now available showing mom's how to breastfeed in ways that are more comfortable for mother and baby, and enabling them to work with both of their inborn insticts. Click on the question above for an article information and videos, or to go staight to just the videos by click here.
What is the difference between a La Leche League Leader and an IBCLC ?
There are many different types of professionals that provide services to breastfeeding families. The amount and type of training these professionals have recieved can range widely. We know this can make it even more challenging to find the right help for your situation. We would be happy to talk to you about the options available. If you are dealing with a medically fragile baby or complex situation make sure you are talking to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). A few letters difference in the credential can make a big difference in their background and training.
La Leche League Leader:
Training:
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Mentored by a current Leader, required reading material on common breastfeeding challenges, breastfed their own baby for at least 9 months, attended La Leche League meetings regularly.
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Encouraged to continue to keep up with current readings or go to conferences.
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For complicated questions, mentors and a wide range of resources are available. If it is outside of their knowledge they will refer you.
(Some IBCLC's also volunteer as La Leche League Leaders, some leaders have many years of experience and trainings that include the same resources as IBCLC's use for their tainings.)
Benefits:
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Will provide information about typical breastfeeding challenges and joys
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Can provide free resources for questions whenever questions arrise without considering insurace or making an apointment, when a full exam is not needed
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Especially helpful when mother's need answer to a few specific questions, or need to know if what they percieve is common or normal.
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Because we commonly see mothers over months and years our experience encompasses what works for mothers over time, not just for a short period.
Drawback:
Because we are volunteer mothers, we often do not have the availability to see you in person outside of our group meetings. We do our best to answer your contact questions quickly, but you may have to contact a leader more than once.
IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant:
Training:
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College curriculum including anatomy, biology, physiology, etc.
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Trained to manage high risk and complicated breastfeeding situations.
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Required to continue to keep up with current readings and go to conferences regularly. A specific number of hours are required to be completed each year.
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Requried to renew certification every 5 years.
Benefits:
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Will do home or clinic visits and should cover the mother and babies full health history.
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Can give you a detailed breastfeeding plan
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Can provide managment for babies with very low weight gain or baby or mother health issues
Drawback:
IBCLC's may not have personal breastfeeding experience. If they were trained in a hospital setting, they may not have practical experience or training in challenges mothers and babies experience who have breastfed longer than a few days/weeks.
Insurance should cover the visit, but you may need to be reimbursed, fill out paperwork, and work with your insurance company to find a provider in or out of network. IBCLC's should follow up after an initial visit, but do not generally keep in contact over long periods of time.