BREASTFEEDING MADE EASIER AT HOME AND WORK

See also: Pumping -- Storage -- Breastfeeding and Pumping Accessories

Family Support

Fathers and other special support persons can be involved in the breastfeeding experience. Breastfeeding is more than a way to feed a baby, it becomes a lifestyle. While no one but the baby's mother can provide breast milk, it is helpful for the mother and the baby if the father or support person encourages this healthy relationship. Fathers or support persons play a major role in the breastfeeding experience by being sensitive and supportive. They can encourage breastfeeding when the mother is feeling tired or discouraged. They can affirm their love, approval, and appreciation for the mother's work and time that she puts into breastfeeding. They also can be good listeners and provide understanding to the mother's and baby's needs to accommodate breastfeeding in the home or when traveling. All of this support helps the mother feel better about herself and proud that she is giving her baby the best. Many people also feel warmth, love, and relaxation just from sitting next to mother and baby during breastfeeding. Fathers and support persons also can help when the mother begins to wean the baby from breastfeeding by giving emotional nourishment to the child through playing, cuddling, and giving a bottle/cup.

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Text last updated June 2004

The following publications and organizations provide more information on family support during breastfeeding:

Publications

1. A Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding (Copyright © AAP) - This fact sheet encourages women to breastfeed, and provides practical information on topics such as, how to know if the baby is getting enough food, how to help the baby latch on, and being careful about your diet and medications while breastfeeding.
   
   
2. Breast-Feeding: Helpful Hints for You (Copyright © AAFP) - This on-line resource contains information on the details of breastfeeding including, planning ahead for breastfeeding, nipple confusion, successful breastfeeding, how to tell if the baby is getting enough breast milk and other possible problems.
   
   
3. Breastfeeding Promotion Publications (Copyright © NHMHBC) - This webpage provides information on ordering publications from the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition regarding breastfeeding in both English and Spanish.
   
   
4.   Breastfeeding Topics - This Internet site highlights some of the many programs and services currently promoting and supporting breastfeeding within health care, worksites, and communities nationwide.
   
   
5. Breastfeeding: Returning to Work (Copyright © Breastfeedingbasics) - This fact sheet provides breastfeeding options when returning to work, such as breast pumps, nursing baby before you go to work, and other tips.
   
   
6. Frequently Asked Questions on: Mother-to-Mother Support for Breastfeeding (Copyright © Linkages) - This publication provides information on the importance of mother-mother support in breastfeeding and how to begin a support group.
   
   
7. Got Mom... (Copyright © ACNM) - GotMom.org was created by the American College of Nurse-Midwives to provide breastfeeding information and resources for mothers and families. It contains information on why breast milk is best, dispels common misunderstandings about breastfeeding, provides a list of resources that can help women and families breastfeed, information for employers and links to the latest research findings.
   
   
8. Ten Steps to Support Parents' Choice to Breastfeed Their Baby (Copyright © AAP) - This publication provides information on how health care professionals can support parents who want to breastfeed their baby.
   
   
9. Tips For Breastfeeding Success (Copyright © AAFP) - This fact sheet provides tips on the advantages of breastfeeding. It includes how to get off to a good start, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, and ways to prevent sore nipples.
   
   
10. Using a Breast Pump (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) - This fact sheet is meant to aid in the general use of breastpumps, breastmilk storage and preparing to return to work.
    
    
11. Working It Out: Breastfeeding at Work (Copyright © LLLI) - This publication addresses the issue of returning to work and breastfeeding. It provides ways to be proactive about educating your supervisor and empowered to act on passing legislation in favor of breastfeeding.
    
    

Organizations

1. American Academy of Family Physicians
   
   
2. American Academy of Pediatrics
   
   
3. Breastfeeding Basics
   
   
4. Breastfeeding Support Consultants / Center for Lactation Education
   
   
5.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
   
   
6. International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA)
   
   
7. La Leche League International
   
   
8. Linkages Project
   
   
9. National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
   
   
10.   National Library of Medicine, NIH, HHS
    
    
11.   National Women's Health Information Center, OWH, HHS
    
    
12.   Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, (WIC) USDA
    
    
13. World Alliance For Breastfeeding Action
    
    

= Indicates Federal Resources