Breastfeeding Resources
Breastfeeding can be extremely beneficial for both parent and child. Several notable health organizations encourage and provide support for breastfeeding, including the , the , and the . Find more information on this topic in the links below.
Benefits and Guidance
- — Extremely comprehensive guide provided by the Office of Women’s Health; includes information on returning to work, breastfeeding in special circumstances (multiple babies, adoption, etc.) and more.
- — Provided by WIC, this resource is a quick guide to several topics relevant to breastfeeding.
- — These videos cover a range of lactation topics and are available in several languages.
- — The Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh provides information on a range of lactation topics. These materials are written by certified lactation consultants and other medical professionals.
- — Provides information and literature on a range of topics related to lactation, as well as videos that demonstrate breastfeeding under specific circumstances. The resources from this organization are available in several languages.
- — Offers a library of webinars on breastfeeding topics.
Breastfeeding Help Lines
- PA WIC Breastfeeding Warm Line: 855-427-5666
- Allegheny County Breastfeeding Help Line 412-697-2243 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET, M-F)
- PA Department of Health Healthy Baby Line: 800-986-BABY or 800-986-2229
- National Women’s Health Information Center (peer counselors): 800-994-9662
Addressing Health Concerns
It is important to seek the care of a medical professional for any health concerns, including the concerns listed below. These resources are meant to raise awareness of different health concerns related breastfeeding, not to give advice in any way.
- Mastitis is an infection that develops in the breast tissue. It can be painful and cause swelling, inflammation and redness.
- — Information on the symptoms, treatment and management of mastitis.
- — Care plan for mastitis and other engorgement conditions.
- Mayo Clinic — Mastitis — Recommendations for adjusting breast feeding techniques while experiencing mastitis.
- Weaning is the process of switching a baby’s diet from breast milk to other foods and drinks. For more information, please read .
- — How to wean babies under one year and older children.
- — Information from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to safely start babies on solid foods.
- — General guidance on the process of weaning infants up to 6 months of age.
- Hyperlactation is breast milk oversupply.
- Breastfeeding and Medications — Some medications can enter your milk supply, so it is important to know what is safe and what is not if you are providing milk for your child.
- Breastfeeding and Alcohol
- Nutrition While Breastfeeding
Book Recommendations
These books were recommend by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
- (also available as on Hoopla)
- (also available as an e-book on OverDrive/Libby and as an on Hoopla)