Empowering women to live healthier lives!
Text size
Email
PrintBreastfeeding
The experience of breastfeeding is special for so many reasons – the joyful bonding with your baby, the cost savings, and the health benefits for both mother and baby. Read on for tips and suggestions to help you successfully breastfeed.
Have basic breastfeeding questions? Our trained breastfeeding peer counselors can help! Call us at 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) today or learn more about the National Breastfeeding Helpline.
Topics
Why breastfeeding is important
|
Finding support and information |
|
Learning to breastfeed
|
Common breastfeeding challenges
|
|
Breastfeeding in public
|
Pumping and milk storage
|
|
Going back to work
|
Breastfeeding and everyday life |
|
Government in action on breastfeeding |
Share your storyMarciela from Michigan says...
I am 19 years old and breastfeeding my now 3 month old son. In the beginning, i absolutely HATED breastfeeding but i knew its the best thing you can do for your child. Its not easy at all seeing that ... (more)
|
Fact sheets
Features
- Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding – The Call to Action (PDF, 931 KB) describes specific steps people can take to participate in a society-wide approach to support mothers and babies who are breastfeeding.
- Your Guide to Breastfeeding – This free publication provides information and encouragement to women on breastfeeding. It explains the benefits for baby, mom, and society. It also provides frequently asked questions and answers about breastfeeding. It is available in English, Spanish, as well as in English for African American and American Indian and Alaska Native women.
Order this free publication online.
- The Affordable Care Act – Breastfeeding mothers and their children have more protections and options. Learn more from healthcare.gov.
- Health Care Reform Boosts Support for Employed Breastfeeding Mothers – From the United States Breastfeeding Committee
- Confident Commitment is a Key Factor for Sustained Breastfeeding – From Birth; by Avery, Zimmermann, Underwood, and Magnus
- Surgeon General’s Perspectives: The Status of Breastfeeding Today (PDF, 1.22 MB) – By Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, Former US Surgeon General
- Mothers and Children Benefit from Breastfeeding (PDF, 40 KB) – By Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, Former US Surgeon General
Content last updated August 1, 2010.
Resources last updated August 1, 2010.
Stay connected with us
    |
Subscribe to breastfeeding email updates.
Breastfeeding news
- December 9, 2011 - Preemies Infected With More Dangerous Types of Bacteria: Study
- December 2, 2011 - Depression, Partner Conflict Raise Suicide Risk for Pregnant Women, New Moms
- December 2, 2011 - Kids of All Weights Benefit From Car Seats
- December 2, 2011 - New Guidelines for Treating Psoriasis When Pregnant or Nursing
- December 2, 2011 - Pressure to Be Perfect Parent Can Discourage New Moms, Dads
- December 1, 2011 - Multitasking Stresses Out Working Moms More Than Dads
A federal government website managed by the Office on Women's Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.200 Independence Avenue, S.W. • Washington, DC 20201
800-994-9662 • TDD: 888-220-5446 • Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST (closed on federal holidays).
womenshealth.gov
A federal government website managed by the Office on Women's Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
200 Independence Avenue, S.W. • Washington, DC 20201