- Breastfeeding Basics and More
- New Mom Support
- Making More Milk
- Paced Bottle Feeding and Breastmilk Storage
- Medications and Breastfeeding
- Milk Banking and Donating Milk
- Safe Sleep
- Tongue-tie and Lip-tie
- Baby Wearing
- Working Moms
- Getting Insurance Coverage for Breastpumps and Lactation Consultant Services
- Resources for Post Partum Depression
- New Parents’ Reading List
- Local Resources
Breastfeeding Basics and More
- Kellymom is a comprehensive website that is essentially a search engine for evidence-based breastfeeding practice and has helpful information, links and forums galore that both parents and healthcare providers will find useful.
- Biological Nurturing View a video of a mom and baby using Laid Back or Biological Nurturing Techniques that allow latching on to occur using mom and baby’s instinctive behaviors.
- Global Health Media Project, Attaching Your Baby at the Breast Good attachment will help a baby get more milk and make breastfeeding more comfortable. This video shows why good attachment is so important to breastfeeding success and what a mother can do to deeply attach her baby to her breast.This video is intended primarily for mothers in the developing world, but may be helpful to breastfeeding mothers worldwide.
- It’s Only Natural: mother’s love. mother’s milk “information for African-American women and their families about the health benefits of breastfeeding — not just for babies, but for moms too. Here, you’ll find facts about breastfeeding and get practical tips on how to make breastfeeding work for you while getting the support you need.”
- The ‘Magic Number’ and Long-Term Milk Production discusses breast storage capacity and frequency of breast emptying needed for an individual mom to maintain her milk supply for her baby.
- HealthyChildren.org Breastfeeding information and articles from the American Academy of Pediatrics website for parents.
- Womenshealth.gov is filled with basic breastfeeding information. It includes downloadable “Easy Guides” to breastfeeding, a free helpline number, and is available in English and Spanish.
- ROSE Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere Saving Tomorrow Today. Resources: An African American Breastfeeding Blueprint
- Infant RiskThomas Hale’s Infant Risk Center contains information for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as well as for health professionals. Information about unusual situations, diseases and circumstances, medication use, post partum depression, alcohol use can be found here. There are also forums for health professionals and for mothers.
- The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is a “worldwide organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation.” Clinical protocols, intended to serve as guidelines for the care of bf mothers and infants, are available for downloading from the website, mostly as pdf files. See what science considers the “gold standard” on topics such as hypoglycemia, co-sleeping, the baby-friendly pediatrician’s office, etc.
- Find federal and state breastfeeding laws.Know your rights and what type of protection you have as a breastfeeding mother under the law. Laws pertaining to breastfeeding in public and workplace rights are addressed.
- Alcohol Use and Breastfeeding Kelly mom provides some guidelines and resources about drinking alcohol and breastfeeding.
- Alcohol Use and Breastfeeding CDC 2018 Guidance on alcohol use and breastfeeding.
- Proper Handling and Storage of Human Milk from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- When will my milk come in? from Kellymom.com
- Newborn Weight Tool “Newt is the first tool that allows pediatric healthcare providers and parents to see how a newborn’s weight during the first days following childbirth compares with a large sample of newborns, which can help with early identification of weight loss issues.”
- Reusing Breastmilk Here is what we know about re-using breastmilk when baby does not finish a bottle.
- How To Keep Your Breast Pump Kit Clean from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- The Basics of Breast Massage and Hand Expression for breast engorgement.
New Mom Support
- Breastfeeding USA, Inc. provides evidence-based information and support, and promotes breastfeeding as the biological and cultural norm. We accomplish this through a network of accredited breastfeeding counselors and comprehensive resources for the benefit of mothers and babies, families, and communities.”
- LaLeche League International Join mother-to-mother forums; get answers to breastfeeding questions; read articles from LLL publications; find out how to contact a local Leader and the meeting time and location of your local LLL group; submit an online help form; subscribe to a podcast; purchase books, videos, and intimate apparel; and more. In addition to English, information on this site is available in Chinese, Spanish, Italian and Russian.
- Breastfeed Chicago “is a network of breastfeeding moms, lactation professionals, and like-minded organizations dedicated to supporting breastfeeding in Chicago through mother-to-mother support, resource development, and breastfeeding advocacy.We envision a truly breastfeeding-friendly Chicago. We do this by connecting moms with the information and resources they need, by advocating for breastfeeding-friendly practices by businesses, employers, hospitals and health care providers, and by using our influence as breastfeeding mothers to normalize breastfeeding in our communities. Visit our Facebook page and our blog.”
- MOBI stands for Mothers Overcoming Breastfeeding Issues. It was founded by and for mothers who grieved their unsuccessful breastfeeding relationships. They were surprised and comforted to find other mothers had similar experiences. Their mutual support enabled some mothers to find solutions or closure. MOBI Motherhood Intl. is a non-profit organization committed to research, advocacy, education, and support for mothers with extraordinary circumstances that hinder or prevent the breastfeeding relationship. Its goal is to promote the support of mothers with extreme breastfeeding issues, with our online support groups, and with education and research.”
Making More Milk
- To Pump More Milk, Use Hands On Pumping from Breastfeeding USA.
- The lowmilksupply.org website provides information and support to mothers who are experiencing low milk production. It is also an online resource for healthcare providers who help mothers breastfeed. This site includes a detailed overview of how milk is produced in human moms, and a useful page on how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.
- Physical Methods to Increase Milk Production from lowmilksupply.org offers multiple methods of increasing milk supply including excellent detailed descriptions of effective pumping strategies.
- Breastfeeding After Reduction is a great resource for information about breastfeeding after breast surgery.
- Maximizing Milk Production with use of pumping and hand expression techniques. This video was developed by Jane Morton, MD and produced for educational purposes only. The information targets increasing milk supply for premature babies but, can be applicable to any mother trying to increase milk supply.
- Hand expression demonstrated by Dr. Jane Morton shows how easily this technique can be taught to mothers.
- Insulin Resistance and Lactation Insufficiency, Blog post by Diana Cassar-Uhl
- Kellymom.com article on Hypoplasia/Insufficient Glandular Tisuse, by Diana Cassar-Uhl
Bottle Feeding and Breastmilk Storage
- Bottle-Feeding as a Tool to Reinforce Breastfeeding
- Baby led bottle feeding. Tips that may help to minimize some of the problems associated with bottle feeding.
- Information on reusing breast milk from KellyMom.
- Why Do Milk Storage Guidelines Differ?
Medications and Breastfeeding
- Infant RiskThomas Hale’s Infant Risk Center provides information on safety of medications and breastfeeding. Dr. Hale’s MommyMeds app is available for download or you may call 806.352.2519 Monday through Friday, 8-5 pm Central Time.
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) – A peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. Among the data included are maternal and infant levels of drugs, possible effects on breastfed infants and on lactation, and alternate drugs to consider.
Milk Banking and Donating Milk
Non-profit milk banks that adhere to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America(HMBANA) guidelines provide pasteurized milk from carefully screened donors to fragile and sick infants, improving their potential to survive and thrive. Learn more about donating milk.
The Mother’s Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes operates two breastmilk collection depots in the Chicago area. If you have a surplus of breastmilk you would like to donate:
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- Advocate Lutheran General Milk Depot at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. Call 847-723-7341 for information and instructions.
- The Green Medical Practice in Oak Park, IL is accepting donations of breast milk.Call 708-851-2108.
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Safe Sleep
There are many reasons why your new baby needs parenting during the night. Neurological immaturity, small stomach size, and rapid digestion of breast milk are just a few. These websites will connect you with what science has to say about the best sleeping arrangements for babies.
Tongue-tie and Lip-tie
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- Catherine Watson Genna’s informative website provides information about and photographs of infants with tongue-tie. Catherine is an IBCLC particularly interested in helping moms and babies breastfeed when they have medical challenges. You will find suggested resources to help you if you believe your baby may have a tongue tie.
- The significance of tongue and lip ties and why you should consider correcting them. By Larry Kotlow, DDS.
- From Kellymom: Resources for breastfeeding a Baby with Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie.
- What is frenotomy? from Stanford Medicine.
- A comprehensive list of Tongue-tie and lip-tie articles and resources from Nurtured Child.
- The Basics of Tongue and Lip Tie: Related Issues, Assessment and Treatment By Melissa Cole, IBCLC, RLC and Bobby Ghaheri, MD., Portland OR.
- MOBI Motherhood International’s comprehensive tongue and lip tie information pages.
- Dr. Bobby Ghaheri’s video of after care of lip and tongue-tie release.
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Baby Wearing
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- Baby Wearing International Inc.is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote babywearing as a universally accepted practice, with benefits for both child and caregiver, through education and support. Find a chapter near you.
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Working Moms
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- Breastfeed Chicago’s Back-to-Work Pumping/Bottlefeeding Resource Guide
- Workandpump.com “The Internet home for any and all information about breastfeeding for working moms.”
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Getting Insurance Coverage for Breastpumps and Lactation Consultant Services
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- From the National Women’s Law Center New Benefits for Breastfeeding Moms: Facts and Tools to Understand Your Coverage under the Health Care Law.
- From Breastfeed Chicago Insurance Reimbursement of Lactation Expenses.
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Resources for Post Partum Depression
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- Infant Risk
- Post Partum Depression Alliance of Illinois
- Postpartum Progress
- Better Balance Counseling, Ltd
- Postpartum Support International (1-800-944-4PPD)
- A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: The central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, International Breastfeeding Journal, 2:6
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New Parents’ Reading List
From Breastfeed Chicago:
Before You Breastfeed: Ten Steps to a Great Start
Safe Infant Sleep: Expert Answers to Your Cosleeping Questions
James J McKenna
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, New Harbinger Publications 2010
Working and Breastfeeding Made Simple
Nancy Mohrbacher, Praeclarus Press 2014
Breastfeeding Solutions: Quick Tips for the Most Common Breastfeeding Challenges
Nancy Mohrbacher, New Harbinger Publications 2013
The Nursing Mother’s Companion . Kathleen Huggins, The Harvard Common Press 2005
Balancing Breast and Bottle: Reaching Your Breastfeeding Goals
Amy Peterson and Mindy Harmer
Breastfeeding Solutions, 2009
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding 8th Revised Edition, La Leche League International 2010
The Premature Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Premature Baby from Birth to Age One William Sears, (Sears Parenting Library) 2004
Sweet Sleep: Nighttime and Naptime Strategies for the Breastfeeding Family LaLeche League International, Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Linda J. Smith and Teresa Pitman, Ballantine Books 2014
Colic Solved: The Essential Guide to Infant Reflux and the Care of Your Crying, Difficult-to-Soothe BabyBryan Vartabedian MD, Ballantine Books 2007
Your Amazing NewbornMarshall H. Klaus, MD, Phyllis H. Klaus, Perseus Books 1998
Becoming a Father: How to Nurture and Enjoy Your FamilyWilliam Sears, La Leche League International 2003
The Happiest Baby on the Block, The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your BabyHarvey Karp, MD, Bantam Books 2015
Local Resources
Locations for Breastpumps and Breastfeeding Supplies
The Lactation Network
Insurance covered in-home lactation visits
Ashland Breast Pumps
Insurance covered breast pumps
Ameda breastfeeding products and breast pumps.
866.99.AMEDA
Medela breastfeeding products and breastpumps.
800.435.8316
Hygeia breastfeeding products and breast pumps.
888.786.7466
Spectra breastfeeding products and breast pumps.
855.446.6622
Mom and Baby Boutiques
Mom and baby boutiques offer a variety of items and services that may including nursing bras and clothing, breastfeeding supplies and support, breast pumps, baby carriers, baby clothes and toys, cloth diapers and more.
- New Mother New Baby
3115 Dundee Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
847.272.1500
Local Support for New Parents
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- Neighborhood Parents Network
Connects a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city. - Fussy Baby Network
888-431-BABY
1.888.431.BABY (2229)
Warmline for nationwide telephone support. - The Chicago New Moms Group
A professionally led education and peer support program for new moms of babies ages birth to 6 months old. It is an opportunity to come together to discuss the ups and downs of being a brand new, first time mother in a supportive and nurturing environment. - Better Balance Counseling, Ltd
Hillary Pilotto, LCPC137 N. Oak Park Avenue Suite 206Oak Park, IL 60301
We provide support to women through the transition of motherhood. Working with women who are struggling to conceive or those that have lost a pregnancy or baby. We work with women in their pregnancy to manage the emotional highs and lows that can take place. We support women and partners during postpartum to help mom get on the road to physical and emotional well-being.
- Illinois Moms of Multiples
Moms support group for mothers of twins, triplets and more! Located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, we meet once a month (and more) to discuss issues specific to mothers of multiples. Our meetings take place the first Wednesday of the month, in the evening, rotating among members’ homes in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We exchange stories and ideas with one another and learn from outside speakers we have invited to talk with us.
- Neighborhood Parents Network
PostPartum Doula Serivces
Postpartum doulas will do whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of their role is education. They share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” They assist with breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.