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Parent Resources

Learn about and get prepared for breastfeeding. Get specifics on the benefits and storage of breastmilk. Be informed about your rights to breastfeed in the workplace and in public. Join a breastfeeding coalition and help keep breastfeeding public. Find breastfeeding friendly hospitals and start your journey informed.

Breastfeeding provides health and financial benefits.

Good for Moms

  • Saves money in formula and healthcare costs
  • Provides a special bond between mom and baby
  • Burns up to 600 calories a day
  • Releases hormones that relax mom
  • Uses a natural resource
  • Makes traveling easier
  • Makes diapers less stinky
  • Protects mom against cancer (less risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer)
  • Protects mom against diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Lowers risk of postpartum depression

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby!

Good for Babies

  • Reduces baby’s risk of ear infections
  • Reduces baby’s risk of stomach problems (less gas, constipation and diarrhea)
  • Reduces baby’s risk of allergic reactions and asthma
  • Reduces baby’s risk of SIDS, NEC, ear and gastrointestinal infections
  • Reduces baby’s risk of childhood leukemia
  • Provides baby with the most easily digested food
  • Promotes baby’s healthy growth and development
  • Reduces baby’s risk of obesity & diabetes
  • May give baby a higher I.Q. – especially preemies
  • Transmits mother’s immunities to baby

Get Prepared

The decision to breastfeed your infant can have lasting benefits for you and your child. Discuss this decision with your doctor or midwife while you are pregnant and plan for the following once your baby is born.

Preparing to Breastfeed

Getting Started

Learn how to find a comfortable position and location in order to support your baby in finding a good latch.

Breastfeeding Positions

Choose a comfortable position in order to support your baby in finding a good latch. You can use pillows under your arms, elbows, neck, or back to give you added comfort and support. Keep in mind that what works well for one feeding may not work well for the next. Keep trying different positions until you are comfortable.

Once you and your baby have found a comfortable position, you’re ready to start feeding.

How to Latch

  • Hold your breast like you’re holding a sandwich. Keep your thumb on the top and the four fingers underneath. Keep your hand a few inches from the areola (the dark skin around your nipple). And, if you have a larger areola, keep your hand about 2 to 2 1/2 inches from your nipple.
  • Pull your baby close. Tickle baby’s upper lip with your nipple.
  • Wait until baby’s mouth opens wide, like a yawn.
  • Quickly bring the nipple, areola and breast into baby’s open mouth. Baby should have a good mouthful of breast—if her mouth is just on your nipple, it will hurt and your milk won’t flow well.
  • If anything hurts or doesn’t feel right, use your finger to gently break your baby’s latch. Try again to reposition your baby. Don’t give up, you and your baby can do this.

Breastfeeding FAQs

CDC Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

Storing Breastmilk

By following recommended storage and preparation techniques, nursing mothers and caretakers of breastfed infants and children can maintain the safety and quality of expressed breast milk for the health of their baby.

These are general guidelines for storing human milk at different temperatures. Various factors (milk volume, room temperature when milk is expressed, temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator and freezer, and cleanliness of the environment) can affect how long human milk can be stored safely.

For more information, visit the CDC Proper Storage and Handling of Breastmilk website.

Download Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

Many Parents Continue to Breastfeed after they return to work or school.

Returning to Work or School

Planning ahead for your return to work or school can help ease the transition. Learn as much as you can ahead of time and talk with your employer or school about your options. This can help you continue to enjoy breastfeeding your baby long after your maternity leave is over. It does take some extra planning but the benefits are worth it!

Learn About Breastfeeding at Work

Be Ready

Breastfeeding Resources

We have compiled a list of wonderful resources to review as part of your  breastfeeding research. If you have a suggestion for a new evidence-based resource to include, please submit it to us via the “Contact Us” page.

View Breastfeeding Resources