LUV Facilitate Weekly Meetings

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It's true that babies do NOT come with a manual, and even if they did, it would need to be a First Edition for every single birth. No one can tell a parent what is best for their situation, but a community of people who have traveled the same road or are currently on the same quest can offer suggestions, support, camaraderie and resources. We were never meant to navigate parenthood alone, and with the LUVS Program, we don't have to. Our Lactation University Volunteers have completed an advanced lactation education course and want to serve you during this time of transition and discovery. LUV offer group meetings, book clubs, text and phone support.

​LUV facilitate weekly or bi-weekly meetings. Individuals can join at anytime. The series do not have to be attended in any specific order. The topics are divided into prenatal and postpartum periods based on what might interest people the most, but both tracks are open to everyone. Some facilitators may only offer Track 1 or 2, but most circulate through the entire 10-week series since the information is pertinent to both categories. Even though the weekly meetings have the same title, each meeting is unique based on the members for the day. Information changes based on interactions, questions, attendees, etc. Everyone can attend the groups indefinitely and have a new experience every time. 

    LUVS Group Request 
Both sets of classes are open to prenatal and postpartum families. They have a different focus to ensure all the topics related to birth and the postpartum period are covered over the 10 weeks. Anyone can jump in on any meeting at any time. Some facilitators offer a continuous loop on Topics 1-5, others 6-10 and many cover all 10 in a reoccurring series. ​

Track 1 Prenatal Topics (Weeks 1-5)

The first 5 meetings focus on prenatal concerns. Those who have already experienced birth can share their insight while offering advice and support. 
WEEK 1
Theme: You are Amazing and So Is Your Milk!
  • Breast Anatomy and Physiology
  • Changes During Pregnancy
  • Hormones
  • ​Advantages of Breastfeeding
WEEK 2
Theme: Exploring Your Feeding Choice
  • Human Milk Composition
  • Understanding and Evaluating Formula Marketing
  • Proper Formula Preparation
WEEK 3
Theme: Getting off to a Great Start
  • How Birth Affects Breastfeeding
  • Baby-Led Latch/Breast Crawl
  • Skin-to-Skin 
WEEK 4
Theme: Prenatal and Early Postpartum Milk Removal
  • Harvesting and Storing Colostrum
  • Effective Hand Expression
  • Spoon/Cup Feeding
​WEEK 5
Theme: Know the Facts
  • ​Breastfeeding Myths
  • Resources for Evidence-based information

Track 2 Postpartum Topics (Weeks 6-10)

Weeks 6-10 are great for anticipatory guidance or reflecting on how things went. 
WEEK 6
Theme: Take it One Day at a Time
  • Recovery and Self-Care
  • ​Breastfeeding Positions
WEEK 7
​Theme: Evaluating Milk Transfer
  • Signs that Baby is Feeding Well
  • Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Overcome Them
  • Warning Signs
  • How to Find a Qualified Provider
WEEK 8
Theme: Exploring and Embracing Your New Role
  • Becoming a Parent
  • Partner Involvement
  • Siblings
WEEK 9
Theme: Milk Maintenance
  • Increasing Supply
  • ​Pumping and Storing
  • Returning to Work
WEEK 10
Theme: Breastfeeding the Older Child/Full-term Breastfeeding
  • Tandem Feeding
  • Introducing Solids
  • When and How to Wean