Finding strength in numbers

In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, a reunion was held at Arnett Hospital for past and present members of the hospital’s breastfeeding support group.

Kathleen Comfort, nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), leads the group in collaboration with fellow lactation consultants Marissa Yang, RN, IBCLC, and Rachel Rogers, RN, IBCLC.

"This group holds a special place in our hearts," said Comfort during the reunion event. "We couldn't be happier to be part of your journey. You are warriors who worked hard to find the best feeding plan for your family. There are lots of ways to feed a baby, and we support them all.”

Kaitlin*, mom to four-month-old Elspeth, pictured above, recalls how the group has been instrumental in her breastfeeding journey.

"Breastfeeding was super, super hard in the beginning," she says. "But the group helped me advocate for myself and my daughter.”

Her advice for new or soon-to-be parents: “Trust your gut and find a good support system.”

“You need people in your corner who ‘get it,’” agrees Torri, who attends the group with daughter Tabby.

Many of the mothers who have attended the support group over the years have formed lasting friendships; some still get together for monthly dinners, even as their babies approach their second birthdays.

“When you can find your group and take care of each other, it’s beautiful,” says Comfort.

Jenny, mother of Brooklyn, 6.5 months, pictured above, agrees. "It was nice to find a group where you're in the trenches with them.”

*Mothers and babies are referred to by their first names only.