WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

If you need more information on breastfeeding or extra help with a breastfeeding challenge, don't get discouraged! There are many people and organizations that want to help you have a successful and happy breastfeeding experience. The following organizations are the most recognized national organizations that provide valuable information on or support for breastfeeding. While their services may vary, they all share the purpose of promoting breastfeeding to mothers, fathers, and families. You also can contact them to get more information on where to go for help in your local area.

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Breastfeeding Helpline

NWHIC has partnered with La Leche League International to train our Information Specialists so they can help you with common breastfeeding issues such as nursing positions, questions about pumping and storage, and provide you with the support moms and dads need to make breastfeeding a success. The Helpline can also provide tips for working moms who would like to continue breastfeeding, and offer suggestions for financial support. For more information, visit our Breastfeeding Helpline page.

Text last updated September 2002

Publications

1.   Ask NWHIC Your Breastfeeding Questions - This information sheet announces the National Women's Health Information Center Breastfeeding Helpline, a new service to support women and their choices for feeding their infants.
   
   
2.   An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for African-American Women - This guide for all African American women and their families is a supportive tool for women who choose to breastfeed. It explains the benefits for baby, mom and society, and also provides frequently asked questions and answers about breastfeeding. It also stresses the importance of breastfeeding in the African-American community, provides information on how this issue is being addressed, and how to talk to your healthcare provider about breastfeeding.
   
   
3.   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.
   
   
4. Find a Lactation Consultant (Copyright © ILCA) - This on-line resource explains the roll of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in maternala and child health. It lists reasons why mother may need to consult an IBCLC and links to a searchable on-line directory of of IBCLCs in the United States.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant - By State and Country (Copyright © Lactivist) - This is a courtesy listing to help breastfeeding mothers find qualified Lactation Consultants.
   
   
7. La Leche League Groups in the USA and Territories (Copyright © LLLI) - Many local La Leche League groups and areas in the United States provide meeting information on the Web. The links provided contain information on LLL meetings and Leaders in these places.
   
   
8. US National Registry of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (Copyright © IBLCE) - This Internet site provides a list of all currently certified IBCLCs registered in the United States.
   
   
9.   WIC Learning Center - This Internet site contains educational materials, journal articles and breastfeeding resources.
   
   
10.   WIC Nutrition Coordinators and Breastfeeding Coordinators Organized by FNS Region - This Internet site provides local and regional WIC Nutrition Coordinators and Breastfeeding Coordinators.
    
    

Organizations

1. African-American Breastfeeding Alliance - AABA is the first organization whose sole purpose is to promote breastfeeding to African-American mothers, fathers and families. AABA's goals are to: improve the overall health status of African-American babies; increase access to breastfeeding information for African-American parents; and create a breastfeeding-friendly culture within the African-American community. If you would like more information on AABA, call toll-free at 1-877-532-8535.
   
   
2. International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) - The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) promotes the professional development, advancement, and recognition of lactation consultants worldwide for the benefit of breastfeeding women, infants and children.
   
   
3. La Leche League International - La Leche League International's Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, education, encouragement, and information, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
   
   
4. Lactivist - Lactivist provides information to mothers who are breastfeeding. This site contains information on how to breastfeed, solutions to problems that might arise, helping women cope with different issues, and resources on where to go for additional help and assistance.
   
   
5. Linkages Project - LINKAGES is a USAID-funded global program providing technical assistance to organizations promoting breastfeeding. LINKAGES supports comprehensive country activities to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and related complementary feeding and maternal dietary practices and to extend the offering of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method as an effective, modern method of contraception.
   
   
6.   Maternal and Child Health Bureau, HRSA, HHS - The Bureau provides leadership to both the public and private sector to build the infrastructure for the delivery of health care services to all mothers and children in the nation. A particular responsibility is serving those low-income or isolated populations who otherwise would have limited access to care.
   
   
7.   National Women's Health Information Center, OWH, HHS - NWHIC is a service of the Office on Women's Health (OWH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The OWH office serves as a focal point within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to redress the inequities in health research, health care services, and public and health professional education that have placed the health of American women at risk. Part of the OWH mission is to coordinate women's health initiatives across the Department of Health and Human Services and to disseminate state-of-the-art information to women nationwide.
   
   
8.   Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, (WIC) USDA - WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children who are found to be at nutritional risk.
   
   

= Indicates Federal Resources