Parenting
Breastfeeding Resources
Getting information and support for childrearing
Posted August 6, 2011
After reading this week's blog on breastfeeding and formula, you may be wondering what resources are available to those who wish to learn more about the mechanics of breastfeeding and where to find breastfeeding support.
It is extremely important for mothers to have the support of their loved ones when learning to breastfeed. Although breastfeeding is natural, it does require training and practice.
Visit these sites for more information on breastfeeding support, mechanics, resources and information.
SUPPORT FOR MOMS
1. La Leche League is a peer-counseling support that focuses on mother-to-mother support groups. You can find information and a support group near you: http://www.llli.org/
2. Kellymom is an easy-to-read breastfeeding and parenting informational site: http://www.kellymom.com/
3. Breastfeeding.com is a resource for advice and tips about breastfeeding: http://www.breastfeeding.com/
4. Women, Infants and Children is a US government-based support for women and children, and the following link contains information and resources for breastfeeding: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Breastfeeding/mainpage.HTM
LEARNING THE MECHANICS OF BREASTFEEDING
1. Informational Video Clips on breastfeeding.com: http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_videos/video_informational.html
2. Breastfeeding Child is a How-to site for breastfeeding, complete with videos: http://www.breastfeedingchild.com/
3. Baby Center has getting-started tips as well as illustrated positions for easy breastfeeding: http://www.babycenter.com/0_breastfeeding-getting-started_465.bc
http://www.babycenter.com/0_positions-and-tips-for-making-breastfeeding-work_8784.bc
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
1. United States Breastfeeding Committee is made up of several coalitions that provide information and help spread breastfeeding support: http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/
2. Breastfeeding Coalitions around the U.S.; find one near you: http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/Coalitions/CoalitionsDirectory/tabid/74/…
3. Attachment Parent International is a nonprofit organization devoted to helping parents raise happy and healthy children: http://www.attachmentparenting.org/
4. A full-service website focused on gentle, connected, evidence based conception to parenthood. is www.bellybelly.com.au
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCIENCE
1. CDC Breastfeeding Report Card 2011; a report of breastfeeding trends in the US: http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm. The report indicates that:
a. Only 4% of US hospitals fully support breastfeeding!
b. Only 114 US hospitals, around 2% of the more than 5000, are baby-friendly!
c. 80% of babies are fed formula by hospitals for NO medical reason after they are born!
2. American Academy of Pediatrics Breastfeeding Information and Recommendations: http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/breastfeeding.cfm
3. World Health Organization Breastfeeding Information and Recommendations: http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/breastfeeding.cfm
4. State Breastfeeding Laws, know your rights on breastfeeding in public and in the workplace: http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=14389
Helpful Books on Breastfeeding
1. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League http://www.llli.org/thewomanlyartofbreastfeeding
2. Mothering with Breastfeeding and Maternal Care by Mizin Park Kawasaki http://www.thenurturingmother.com/
General Parenting Knowledge Books
1. Ancient Bodies, Modern Lives: How Evolution Has Shaped Women's Health by Wenda Trevathan http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Bodies-Modern-Lives-Evolution/dp/0195388887
2. The Science of Parenting by Margot Sutherland http://www.amazon.com/Science-Parenting-Margot-Sunderland/dp/0756618800
What YOU Can Do to Support Breastfeeding
1. Encourage mothers who want to breastfeed
2. Be knowledgeable about the risks of not breastfeeding
3. Talk about what you've learned from these blog posts about the benefits of breastfeeding
4. Be supportive of women who are breastfeeding in public
5. Be willing to breastfeed or to have your children breastfed
NOTE: Co-authors for this post are Elizabeth Ledden and Stephanie Sieswerda
POSTS IN THIS SERIES
Post #1 discusses why you should care about breastfeeding, no matter who you are.
Post #2 discusses assumptions about infant formula that are wrong.
Post #3 discusses myths about infant formula.
Post #4 discusses the TREMENDOUS benefits of breastfeeding.
Post #5 addresses myths about breastfeeding.
**Check out our YouTube video on breastfeeding vs. formula.**
Post #6 discusses real truths about breastfeeding.
Post #7 provides links to resources for breastfeeding.
Post #8 summarizes the prior posts' main messages in blunt terms.
Post #9 responds to critics of #8.