August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month – a breastfeeding campaign, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, empowering women to commit to breastfeeding by highlighting research conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that finds babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, and more.
In celebration of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we’ve compiled the following guide to serve as your one-stop resource for the information and support you’ll need to be successful at breastfeeding. Reach out to your local sources, read through online sources, and choose the plan that best fits your family.
LOCAL SUPPORT:
Breastfeeding Information Keep these benefits in mind while choosing whether or not to breastfeed
Breastfeeding Resource Kits Breastfeeding is oftentimes a challenge for many parents. Here are the toolkits to help you along the way.
The Breastfeeding Manifesto 7-point manifesto for nursing mothers, mothers-to-be, and supportive fathers
“Hands down, a lot of questions we get are related to milk supply. Moms either feel they do not have enough milk (or will not) or that baby is not being (or will not be) satisfied. The most important thing to talk understand is skin-to-skin, placing Baby in their diaper only on your bare chest to encourage bonding, soothing, and breastfeeding.”
– Beth Honerman, RD, LN, CLC
Breastfeeding Coordinator at SD Dept of Health – WIC Program
THE ACCESSORIES:
Nursing covers are easy to use; they’re easy to put on and take off of your car seat, and give you access to see your baby while nursing.
Washable nursing pads help prevent those leaks with a super-soft liner.
Nipple Balm: New mothers can suffer from sore and cracked nipples in the first few weeks. Protect yourself and your newborn with a non-toxic, certified organic nipple balm that keeps nipples feeling soft, supple and healthy.
Easy access tank tops are designed specifically for breastfeeding moms with nursing clasps and drop down cups for easy access breastfeeding
“We encourage moms to feed on demand; watch Baby not the clock. Just because your baby is nursing all the time doesn’t mean they aren’t getting enough breast milk. Talk to your lactation professional about how to know if Baby is getting enough breast milk. It is often based on the number of times they are eating per day and number of wet and dirty diapers per day.”
– Beth Honerman, RD, LN, CLC
Breastfeeding Coordinator at SD Dept of Health – WIC Program
HELPFUL SITES & WORDS:
Every Ounce Counts Breastfeeding 101 and cues you’ll want to know
How to Pump More Breast Milk Everything from choosing the right pump to increasing milk output
What you didn’t know Answering a few FAQs many new parents have
Breastfeeding Basics Breastfeeding takes knowledge and practice
Tips from Moms who’ve been there
THE FACTS:
Centers for Disease Control and Protection Quick facts on Breastfeeding Goals nationwide in the United States
TAKE THE PLEDGE
Breastfeeding-Friendly If your business is ready to take the pledge to become a breastfeeding-friendly facility in South Dakota, click the link for information