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Breast/Chestfeeding Resources for Families
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I need some in person help!
Every Michigan WIC staff member has received breast/chestfeeding training to support you on your journey. We also have Peer Counselors, a parent in the community with personal breast/ chestfeeding experience who is trained to give information and support to new parents. Each local agency also has an IBCLC (a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breast/chestfeeding) available to help you.
Call our breastfeeding warmline for help with your questions and concerns.
Available 7 days/week 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Call (833) 649-4223
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What are some of the different ways I can hold my baby while feeding them?
Watch these short videos from Texas WIC:
Watch this 5-minute video from IABLE on bottle feeding your baby in a way that let your baby to control how much they eat and (maybe) prevent them from wanting a bottle over your breast. It can also prevent overfeeding.
Check out this handout on breast/ chestfeeding positions from NYC Health.
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How do I know if I’m making enough milk, and my baby is getting enough?
Watch these short videos from Texas WIC:
- Is your baby getting enough milk?
- ¿Esta’ tomando suficiente leche mi bebe’?
- Am I Making Enough Milk?
- Estoy Produciendo Suficiente Leche?
Visit the First Droplets website for information on first feedings for term and very early babies in English and Espanol.
Visit the KellyMom website for tips on how to breast/chestfeed your baby and how to know if they're getting enough to eat.
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What if I can’t get my baby to latch, or latching is painful?
Watch these short videos from Texas WIC:
Visit the WIC Breastfeeding webpage for Help for Sore Nipples.
Check out this handout on Painful Nipples from Lactation Education Resources.
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What if breast/chestfeeding hurts? Am I engorged?
If your nipples hurt when your baby is nursing, it’s probably a problem with the latch. Your peer counselor can help you with this. If your breasts hurt all the time, call your healthcare provider.
Watch this short video on how to do lymphatic massage (to relieve breast swelling) from IABLE.
Visit the KellyMom website to help tell the difference between typical nipple pain and nipple/breast pain that requires help from a lactation professional.
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How do I know if I have mastitis and what should I do?
If your breasts are red, swollen, and you have a fever, call your healthcare provider.
These handouts from the Physician's Guide to Breastfeeding shows how to reduce swelling in your breasts.
Watch this short video on how to do lymphatic massage (to relieve breast swelling) from IABLE.
These handouts from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) has general information on mastitis, prevention, and updated tips on treatment.
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How can my family support breast/chestfeeding?
Watch this great, short video “Breastfeeding: What’s a Dad Supposed to Do?”
Watch these short videos from Texas WIC:
Visit the Dad Central website (developed by father for fathers) to help with answers to basic questions about babies and new parents.
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Breast Pumps: Do I really need one? Which one should I get? How do I get it? How does it work?
A breast pump is not necessary to feed your baby, especially in the first few weeks. When going back to work, a pump can be helpful to collect milk. Insurance companies are required to give a breast pump to parents who request one. Your peer counselor can help decide which pump will meet your specific goals.
We love this blog When is Pumping Too Much, Not Enough, or Just Right? by Nancy Mohrbacher.
Check out these CDC resources on how to keep your breast pump kit clean and how to store and prepare human milk.
Learn how to hand express human milk here
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How do I get ready to go back to work and continue breast/chestfeeding my baby?
Watch these short videos from Texas WIC:
- Preparing to go Back to Work
- Prepararse para Regresar el Trabajo
- Pumping Breast Milk at Work
- Usar El Sacaleches En El Trabajo
Watch this 5-minute video from IABLE on bottle feeding your baby in a way that let your baby to control how much they eat and (maybe) prevent them from wanting a bottle over your breast. It can also prevent overfeeding.
This FLSA Protections to Pump a Work website has lots of great information on your rights (by the U.S. Department of Labor).
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What if I need to take medication or want to have an alcoholic beverage while breast/chestfeeding?
The Infant Risk Center has information on
- Cough & Cold Medications while Breastfeeding
- Alcohol & Breastfeeding: What’s your time-to-zero?
- Common Medications While Breastfeeding
Colorado Cannabis website has information on Effects of Marijuana While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
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I’m just looking for general information on breast/chestfeeding but I’m not sure what resources to trust. Where should I start?
- Breastmilk One Stop Shop videos in English and Español created by Texas WIC.
- KellyMom website provides evidence-based information on parenting and breast/chestfeeding and is managed by an IBCLC (lactation consultant). It can be translated into Bulgarian, German, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
- HUG Your Baby has short videos and newsletters on normal infant behavior (so you’ll know what to expect).
- Ready, Set, Baby is a family-friendly breast/chestfeeding website available in English, Español, and العربية.