Lauren Jones has been providing free breastfeeding classes at NPL for nearly three years. Here is an interview I conducted to learn more about her and the class she teaches. 

What Inspired you to Start Realistically Fed

I value helpful and accessible resources. After working in social services and non-profits for years, I wanted to start my own business so that I could find ways to offer realistic breastfeeding support to everyone, not just those who qualify or have to through a lengthy process before getting approved for free lactation support. I also noticed that there was and is a need for group lactation support where families could learn and connect with other families in our community who are in the same stage of life!

What are some of the Common Problems First Time Mothers Have Breastfeeding

Lack of knowledge on where to find tailored and realistic support when you run into breastfeeding issues. Shallow/inefficient/painful latch. Unrealistic expectations about becoming a new parent and how breastfeeding plays into that. Postpartum mood disorders, what signs to look for and how to get help.

What can Patrons Expect to Learn from your Classes at NPL

Parents who come to the class can expect to learn about initiating breastfeeding and how to navigate things right after birth, how to transition from hospital (if you have a hospital birth) to home, breastfeeding and skin to skin in the early weeks, how to build and maintain a healthy milk supply in the first 3 months after birth, pumping and bottles, how to set up a supportive breastfeeding journey and going back to work. I also always send a follow up email after class with local and online resources that will be helpful not only for breastfeeding but for the entire postpartum and baby’s first year experience. 
 

Can you Recommend some Books/Videos for Additional Guidance

There are a lot of breastfeeding books out there but my favorites for basic helpful information are The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International and Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding by Ina May Gaskin. 

If you are looking for something deeper to read about breastfeeding, motherhood and policies that make our journeys more challenging I love the book The Big Letdown by Kimberly Seals Allers!

Now to Learn More About You

Who are some of your Favorite Authors

I have lots because I love biographies! I am currently reading Cher’s autobiography “Cher: The Memoir” and I love it because I think she’s such a cool human and I love learning about others life experiences. She paints a pretty clear picture of Los Angeles/Hollywood and the east coast music scene in the 50s and 60s which is super interesting to me! Another book, with a very similar vibe, I just read and loved is “The Friday Afternoon Club A Family Memoir” By Griffin Dunne! I mostly read books from the library and I am using and loving the Libby app on my Kindle because I am a new mom and often read during contact naps when the lights are off! 

What Programs Do you and your Family Enjoy Participating in at NPL

We have been enjoying Infant Lap-sit story time since my son was 3.5 months old! And now we are going to Story times geared for toddlers! We frequent East, Madison, Donelson, Edgehill and Main Children's events and libraries to just play, read and hang out with other babies and new parent friends!
 

Would you Like to Share Anything Else with Us

Come to a free breastfeeding class with me! I teach at Main library on Sunday's and other branches during the week. Teaching about lactation and discussing questions and concerns with new parents is truly something I am so passionate about! I want you to feel equipped and empowered as you embark on your parenting and feeding journey and know who you can turn to for local support! I also love meeting new friends and after having my son 14 months ago it is more ingrained in me now than ever that we are all in this together <3