Breastfeeding Resources
There are a lot of important considerations and decisions that you will need to make if you are preparing to welcome a new baby into your family. Deciding what and how to feed your infant is just one of the important topics you will need to cover as birth approaches. If breastfeeding is an option that you are considering for you and your child, there are many resources to help you succeed on this journey.
It’s never too early to start the conversation about breastfeeding with your doctor or midwife so that you can be as prepared as possible for the road ahead. In addition to speaking with a medical professional, this guide includes several resources that may be helpful in answering some of your breastfeeding questions.
Why Consider Breastfeeding?
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that mothers breastfeed for the first 6 months. Consuming breastmilk can help to decrease the chances of a child developing common health conditions such as asthma, type 1 diabetes, and obesity. At the same time, breastfeeding can help reduce mothers’ risk of several major medical conditions including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
For more information on breastfeeding recommendations, check out these informational articles from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC and American Academy of Family Physicians.
These resources by FamilyDoctor.org and the healthychildren.org outline some of the reasons why expecting mothers may choose to breastfeed.
This resource by the CDC provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Health & Wellness
Along with the natural benefits associated with breastfeeding, there are certain steps that mothers can take to ensure that their baby is receiving high quality nutrition via breast milk. Recommendations include: limiting or avoiding alcohol, being mindful of medication intake, and eating nutrient-rich foods while breastfeeding.
For a list of 13 superfoods for breastfeeding moms, check out this resource by Parents.com.
Learn more about the potential effects of drinking alcohol while breastfeeding and medication safety for breastfeeding moms. Both resources were written by healthychildren.org, a publication from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Practical Breastfeeding and Pumping Resources
The prospect of maintaining a healthy breastfeeding and pumping schedule can be intimidating to new moms. To set yourself up for success, ask for support from a lactation consultant before you head home after delivery and schedule follow up appointments for continued support once you have left the hospital. Lactation consultants can help answer questions you may have and can provide individualized support based on your personal needs.
In the months leading up to your baby’s arrival contact your insurance company to discuss your coverage options for breast pumps. Many plans provide breast pumps at no cost or at a reduced charge. This resource by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration provides information relating to buying and using a breast pump.
This resource by the CDC provides cleaning tips to help you keep your breast pump kit germ-free, and this resource provides recommendations for breast milk preparation and storage.
Breastfeeding as a working mother can get complicated if you do not have regular access to feed your child. These resources by FamilyDoctor.org and healthychildren.org provide information about how mothers can go about breastfeeding even after returning to work.
Having a supportive partner can make a huge difference in breastfeeding success. This resource explains the role that fathers and other partners can play in the breastfeeding process.
Tracking feedings can help you build up a supply and ensure that your baby is receiving all of the nutrition they need. From Healthline and Very Well Family these lists compare and rate the top breastfeeding apps and online classes of the past two years.
Breastfeeding changes as your baby grows. This guide from Parents.com offers tips for continued breastfeeding throughout your baby’s first year.
Kelly Mom is an online resource site with a wealth of breastfeeding resources offered by moms and for moms.
Finding Support While Breastfeeding
It is not uncommon for new moms to experience challenges while attempting to breastfeed their child. If it’s your hope and intention to breastfeed your child, support is available. Talk to your doctor about support networks in your area and seek help if you’re feeling isolated and unsupported.
The National Women’s Health and Breastfeeding Helpline, a free federal program, is staffed on weekdays during regular business hours.
The international LaLeche League and the U.S. based affiliate La Leche USA have a variety of resources and tools, and can help you find local support groups (including online options), with lactation professionals and fellow breastfeeding mothers.
In the State of Ohio the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network provides a 24-hour hotline for breastfeeding support.
Breastfeeding and COVID-19
The pandemic has touched all aspects of our lives, and currently pregnant and/or nursing mothers undoubtedly have lots of questions about protecting their unborn child or infant from COVID-19. This list of articles from Kelly Mom includes recommendations from national and international health organizations, and the latest information on pandemic related topics for new and expecting mothers.
This guide and the resources listed are not meant to replace consultation with medical professionals or to diagnose a medical condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with breastfeeding, or has health related questions, please reach out to a professional for advice and assistance. For additional breastfeeding resources search the keyword “breastfeeding” on RedTreehouse.org.