Preparing to breastfeed
OASH
How to prepare for breastfeeding and set yourself up for success, from pregnancy to birth (and beyond).
Breastfeeding Resources
We want to set you up for breastfeeding success. Use these resources to guide your breastfeeding journey, from latching to weaning.
Breastfeeding 101
A crash course in breastfeeding basics covering the incredible qualities of breast milk, how to prepare for breastfeeding, breastfeeding positions, latching, and accessories.
Making breastmilk
OASH
Knowing how your body makes breast milk can help you understand the breastfeeding process. This article covers how breast milk is made (and how it changes!) and common breastfeeding FAQs.
The Six Most Common Breastfeeding Positions
TLN
Every parent and baby is unique, and certain breastfeeding positions may allow for a more comfortable and successful nursing session than others. Try some common positions to see which work for you.
Steps and Signs of a Good Latch
WIC
No matter what position you use to breastfeed, it's important to get a good latch to ensure your baby is getting enough milk.
Bringing Baby Home
WIC
Bringing a new baby home is exciting but can also be overwhelming. Here's what to expect during the first few days back home.
Top Breastfeeding Accessories According to an Expert
TLN
A list of IBCLC-recommended breastfeeding accessories, including the most helpful, the most accessible, and which you can safely skip.
Contraindications to Breastfeeding or Feeding Expressed Breast Milk to Infants
CDC
There are a few (rare) exceptions when breast milk or breastfeeding is not recommended for newborns. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges
Just because breastfeeding is natural doesn’t mean it’s easy. Learn more about common breastfeeding challenges and what you can do about them.
Four Common Breastfeeding Challenges (And How to Overcome Them)
TLN
Know what to expect and when to seek help can help—explore a few of the most common breastfeeding issues, their symptoms, and potential treatments.
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
LLLI
When breastfeeding, it’s difficult to measure how much milk your baby is getting. Here’s how to tell if your baby is (or isn’t) getting enough to eat.
Low Milk Supply
WIC
Possible causes and methods for increasing milk production for parents who struggle with low milk supply.
What You Need to Know About Clogged Milk Ducts
TLN
The essentials for clogged or plugged milk ducts, including causes, treatments, and tips for future prevention.
What Mastitis Is, and How to Treat It
TLN
Learn how to spot mastitis symptoms, ways to treat mastitis at home, and when to seek medical attention.
Help for Sore Nipples
WIC
An overview of the causes and solutions of nipple pain, including when to get expert help.
Breast Pumps and Pumping
So you’re ready to start pumping—but before you break out a breast pump, you might have some questions. These articles will help set you up for pumping success.
Understanding Breast Pump Parts and How to Use Them
TLN
Your breast pump relies on many working parts to help you deliver milk to your baby: Here’s a rundown of its many parts.
Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk
CDC
General guidelines for storing expressed breast milk at different temperatures to maintain its safety and quality.
How to Keep Your Breast Pump Clean
CDC
Germs can quickly grow in breast milk or residue on pump parts. Follow these steps to keep your breast pump clean and your baby safe.
Ask the IBCLC: Pumping Tips from a Lactation Expert
TLN
Expert advice on choosing the right pump for you, when to start pumping, how to build up a back stash of milk, and more.
What to Do When Your Breast Pump Isn’t Working
TLN
Like any machine, breast pumps can malfunction–here are a few common issues and how to fix them.
Mental Health
While all attention may be on the new baby, it’s important not to forget about yourself. Taking care of your own mental and emotional health sets you up for success as a parent.
Mental Health Care During Postpartum
TLN
An overview of postpartum mood disturbances, including depression, anxiety, and baby blues.
Taking Care of You
WIC
New parents are often so focused on their babies that they forget to take care of themselves. WIC provides gentle guidance around nutrition, rest, and mental and emotional health.
Postpartum HelpLine
Postpartum Support International
PSI provides awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing. Call or text the PSI HelpLine for support: 1-800-944-4773.
Building your Support System
When it comes to breastfeeding, having a support system of loved ones to help you can make a big difference in meeting your feeding goals.
How To Support Nursing Parents
TLN
From pregnancy and birth to back home and back-to-work, here is how you can really help the breastfeeding parent in your life.
Preparing Your Family and Friends for Your Breastfeeding Journey
TLN
How to talk to loved ones about your breastfeeding plans and how they can help you meet your goals.
Returning to Work
Coming back to the workplace can be one of the most difficult postpartum transitions, which is why it can be helpful to have a back-to-work plan.
How to Return to Work After Parental Leave
TLN
This article is designed to help you prepare for your return to work, from pumping at work to your breastfeeding rights in the workplace.
Weaning
There is no ‘official’ time to stop breastfeeding; it’s all about when it’s right for you and your baby.
Weaning
TLN
When it’s time to stop breastfeeding, you might have mixed feelings about letting go. Here we discuss how to best navigate this transition to your next season of parenthood.
Weaning Your Baby
WIC
Advice on recognizing when it’s time to start weaning and making it a positive experience.
Additional Resources for Breastfeeding Information
There’s a lot of breastfeeding knowledge out there–here are a few of our favorites for accurate, actionable information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Breastfeeding USA
La Leche League International
KellyMom
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Office on Women’s Health
U.S. Department of Agriculture
For more questions, concerns, and information, visit our library of articles.