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BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES FOR CONNECTICUT FAMILIES
Spanish Version
The decision to breastfeed your infant is one of the first decisions you will make as a parent of a newborn. Breastfeeding provides the best possible nutrition for your infant and allows you special uninterrupted time to bond with one another. Breastfeeding can be easy; it is just a skill that mom and baby have to learn. Breastfeeding specialists and consultants can help mothers who have questions or difficulties with breastfeeding.
TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Your obstetrician, pediatrician, family practitioner or other physician should be knowledgeable and supportive of breastfeeding. Nutritionists, neonatal nurses, midwives, childbirth instructors, and home visiting nurses should also be knowledgeable.
Always consult your doctor or pediatrician if you are experiencing problems with breast feeding or if you have concerns about your baby's health and nutrition. Other resources for support are the following:
LA LECHE LEAGUE
Accredited volunteers at La Leche League offer breast feeding information and support via telephone and group meetings. Also, League members speak to interested community groups about breastfeeding.
INTERNATIONAL LACTATION CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION
The ILCA is the professional association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and other health care professionals who care for breastfeeding families. The ILCA website allows zip code searches for Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LA LECHE LEAGUE VOLUNTEERS AND LACTATION CONSULTANTS:
La Leche League:
"Mother to mother" breastfeeding support from lay (not medical professional) breastfeeding counselors. Help can be given over the phone and there is no fee. It is not professional medical advice, rather it is "mother to mother" support and guidance.
Lactation Consultants:
Professionally trained clinicians who have clinical and classroom training and have passed a Board certification exam. These professionals are certified by the International Lactation Consultants Assn. and they have the initials IBCLC after their names. (IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.) IBCLCs see people in person, and charge for their services. Some insurance companies cover this, but many don't. Any one who does not have insurance coverage and who cannot pay the fee should consult with their physician or the hospital birthing department where they delivered.
BREASTFEEDING HELPLINE AT THE NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER
The National Women's Health Information Center has a Breastfeeding Helpline: 1-800-994-9662. (TTY: 1-888-220-5446). Breastfeeding Peer Counselors at the Helpline can answer common breastfeeding questions on issues ranging from nursing positions to pumping and storage; and provides support to make breastfeeding a success. The Helpline is open to nursing mothers as well as their partners, families, prospective parents, health professionals and institutions seeking to better educate new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding. The Helpline is an information and referral service only and cannot provide medical diagnosis or answer medical questions.
CONNECTICUT BREASTFEEDING COALITION
CBC advocates for access to comprehensive, current, and culturally appropriate lactation care and service for all women, children and families in Connecticut. The Coalition works to ensure that breastfeeding is recognized as the normal and preferred method of feeding infants and young children, to ensure that all federal, state and local laws recognize and support the importance and practice of breastfeeding, and to increase protection, promotion and support for breastfeeding mothers in the workforce. The Coalition meets monthly at different locations in Connecticut.
LAW SUPPORTS BREASTFEEDING/ PUMPING IN THE WORKPLACE (Public Act No. 01-182)
- Any employee may express breast milk or breast feed at work during her meal or break period.
- An employer shall make reasonable efforts to provide a room or other location other than a toilet stall where the employee can express her milk in private.
- An employer shall not discriminate against, discipline, or take any adverse employment action against an employee because she has elected to exercise her rights under this law.
Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition's brochure "Breastfeeding in Connecticut: What Are Your Rights:"
For more information or to seek protection under this law, call CWEALF (Conn. Women's Education and Legal Fund) or CHRO (Commission on Human Rights and Responsibilities.)
OTHER BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT:
Community health centers, home health agencies, and hospitals also offer breastfeeding support groups or classes. The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) provides education and support to income eligible women who participate in the program.
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service name: Breastfeeding
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SOURCES: Above referenced websites; CT Dept. of Public Health
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: January2010
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