Breastfeeding

Breast milk is important for baby’s growth and development. It provides needed nutrition, aids digestion, and helps prevent allergies, infections, and many diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should be exclusively breastfed for six months. The AAP recommends that solid foods be introduced at six months, but babies should also continue to breastfeed through the first year and beyond for as long as is mutually desired by the mother and baby.

Internet Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics – Breastfeeding
http://www2.aap.org/breastfeeding/familiesResourceGuide.html
This AAP site provides resources to families about breastfeeding, as well as information about ongoing initiatives and breastfeeding advocacy efforts.

MedlinePlus: Breast Feeding
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/breastfeeding.html
Developed by the National Library of Medicine specifically for consumers, this link has trusted government-sponsored and privately-developed health information on breastfeeding and related topics.

National Library of Medicine: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT
This NLM database can be searched by drug name to find information about drug levels and effects in both breastfeeding mothers and infants.

Breastfeeding — Best For Baby. Best For Mom
http://womenshealth.gov/Breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=home
This website provides tips and suggestions for successful breastfeeding as well as links to additional information.

La Leche League International
http://www.llli.org/ab.html?m=1
The La Leche League works to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding and to support mothers who are breastfeeding or want to breastfeed. This site provides answers to frequently asked questions, online forums, and information for finding local support groups.

International Lactation Consultant Association
http://www.ilca.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3901
This professional association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and other health care professionals involved in breastfeeding support provides a searchable directory of lactation consultants.

Books

• Better way to breastfeed: the latest, most effective ways to feed and nurture your baby with comfort and ease. Weiss RE. 2010.
• Breastfeeding: A parent’s guide. Spangler A. 2010.
• Breastfeeding mother’s guide to making more milk. West D. 2009.
• The ABCs of breastfeeding: everything a mom needs to know for a happy nursing experience. Rubin S. 2008.

Journals

• “Establishing successful breastfeeding in the newborn period.” Pediatric Clinics of North America. 60(1):147-68, Holmes AV. 2013
• “Optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 8:CD003517, Kramer MS. Kakuma R. 2012
• “Evaluating the safety of medications during pregnancy and lactation.” Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services. 47(3):19–22. Howland RH. 2009.
• “Conquering common breast-feeding problems.” Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. 22(4):267-74. Walker M. 2008.

Classes

Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital offers classes at a variety of dates and times for mothers who plan to breastfeed. For more information, please call 312-926-8400.

Support

The National Women’s Health Information Center has La Leche League International trained Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who can help you with common breastfeeding questions. Call the National Breastfeeding Helpline for expert advice, support and assistance in both English and Spanish: 1-800-994-9662.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact the Alberto Culver Health Learning Center at 312-926-5465 or hlc@nmh.org.