Breastfeeding gives babies a healthy start – and it’s good for parents, too. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for approximately the first six months of life. The AAP supports continued breastfeeding as long as desired by parent and child for two years or beyond.
Breastfeeding is also a journey! There may be ups and downs and feelings of accomplishments and frustration. Resources exist to support families every step of the way, no matter what stage of the breastfeeding journey they’re in.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Complete Nutrition
Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants, providing the ideal balance of nutrients for growth and development while also supplying antibodies and other immune factors that help protect against infections and illnesses, including respiratory, ear, and gastrointestinal infections.
Reduce pediatric health problems
Many pediatric health conditions, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, obesity, and diabetes, occur less frequently among infants and children who are fed human milk.
Convenient, fresh, cost-effective
Breastfeeding is convenient. It’s always fresh, is cost-effective, and the right temperature.
Helps build bonding
Breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby. Physical contact is important to newborns. It can help them feel more secure, warm, and comforted.
Healthier for mothers
Breastfeeding promotes the health of mothers too like decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, post-partum depression and more.
Learn more
To read more about the benefits of breastfeeding and access a comprehensive guide; visit Your Guide to Breastfeeding or Breastfeeding - HealthyChildren.org.
For Breastfeeding Families: Planning & Finding Support
Prepare before your baby is born
- Talk to your healthcare provider
- Attend prenatal classes on lactation in your community, through your hospital or WIC (link WIC page)- find a class here - Provider Directory | ZipMilk
- Build a support team – your healthcare provider, lactation support professional, peer support group, doula, family visitor, and WIC clinic all may be available to support you!
Provide a good start in the first days
- Breastfeed within the first hour after the baby is born. If the baby does not latch in the first hour, hand express colostrum, your first milk
- Hold your baby skin to skin in the first days and beyond.
- Let baby set the pace and feeding schedule – follow their cues.
- If aligned with your feeding plan, give human milk only (unless baby needs supplementation for medical reasons indicated by your provider) and let others know your plan.
• Lean on your support network.
Need help?
- Find a Lactation Provider through ZipMilk: Provider Directory | ZipMilk
- Contact your Birthing Hospital 'Warm Line' OR your Birthing Provider
- Contact your Doula or find a postpartum doula or call the Referral Hotline: 1-833-RI Doula
- Find a peer support group: Provider Directory | ZipMilk; Baby Café USA, LaLeche League of Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Vermont
- For more birthing resources check out: Perinatal Resource Directory — Rhode Island Birth Resource Directory
- Urban Perinatal Education Center
Resources for families who are deciding to breastfeed, preparing during pregnancy, or for getting support after birth.
Learn more on how to have a happy, healthier, breastfed baby!
- Getting ready during pregnancy
- Skin-to-skin
- Latching and positioning
- Milk supply
- Pumping and milk storage
- When to ask for help
What is ZipMilk?
ZipMilk is an online directory that connects families and providers with chest/breastfeeding support resources by ZIP Code. It is intended for individuals seeking chest/breastfeeding assistance, as well as healthcare and community providers looking to refer clients to local support services. The information and resources listed on ZipMilk are not intended to replace medical advice or care from a healthcare professional.
- How families can search for support
- How providers can create a listing
- Upload QR code/promotional materials once available