Breastfeeding (or chestfeeding) provides your baby with all the essential nutrition needed for healthy growth and development, and it’s good for mothers, too! Like many aspects of parenting, feeding your baby can be both rewarding and challenging. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Free support is available to help you every step of the way.
On this page, you’ll find info about local resources and services for breastfeeding families and for employers as well as answers to frequently asked questions about breastfeeding.
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The Parent Resource Guide is a free gift from First 5 Sonoma County, created to support you through the early years of parenting. Inside, you’ll find trusted programs and services designed to help you nurture, guide, and care for your young children, including support during pregnancy and the infant stage.
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Offers dedicated support from trained lactation consultants. Families can also join a drop-in Breastfeeding Cafe located throughout Sonoma County to connect with a lactation consultant and other breastfeeding families. Call 707-902-3031 for support.
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Offers free childbirth classes virtually, available in English and Spanish. Families can also get help from the Newborn Eating Support Team (NEST), which provides early expert feeding support for infants experiencing feeding challenges in the early weeks and months of life.
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Families with Medi-Cal Insurance, Partnership Health Plan, or Kaiser Medi-Cal can connect with a doula for support during pregnancy, birth, and after.
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Provides additional lactation resources at local hospitals, clinics, and even at home through a comprehensive directory of local providers.
Developed by Work+Family Insight's Cynthia Thomas Calvert — a nationally recognized expert in pregnancy accommodation law and Family Responsibliities Discrimination — the Lactation Accommodation Toolkit is a one-stop-shop resource for employers to ensure their workplace is in compliance with the law and can accommodate breastfeeding employees.
Babies are born knowing how to breast/chest feed. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recognize breastfeeding as the way to ensure optimal health outcomes for both babies and mothers. According to the Centers for Disease Control, breastfeeding can help protect babies against many short and long term illnesses and diseases, such as SIDS, asthma, and ear infections. Many mothers aren’t aware that breastfeeding has significant health benefits for them as well! It reduces their risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
It is important for pregnant women to start educating themselves prenatally about breastfeeding so they have the information they need to get breastfeeding off to a good start in the hospital!
There are many ways to receive education about breastfeeding, such as attending breastfeeding classes at their delivery hospital, through the WIC program, or at their medical provider’s office. Pregnant women are also encouraged to sign up for peer breastfeeding support at their WIC agency to access the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program.
Additionally, it is recommended to find out what Lactation Consultant services are available at their local doctor’s so they know where to reach out for help in the postpartum period.
Many mothers wonder and worry if they will even have “enough milk” for their babies. Milk production actually begins way before you give birth.
At 16 weeks of pregnancy the cells in your breasts begin producing colostrum which is the first milk that is thick yellowish fluid which is full of nutrients and is easy for babies to digest.
A breastfed newborn baby should nurse at least 8-12 times per day. Let your baby’s cues during nursing sessions tell you when they’re finished eating. If your baby is fussy, sucking on their fists, or rooting after a feeding, try offering the breast again.
The best way to track overall nutrition is through bowel movements, wet diapers, and weight gain. In the early weeks, your baby should have at least six wet diapers and two dirty diapers per day.
If you’re concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough nutrition, talk to your pediatrician or lactation counselor.
One of the most common myths about breastfeeding is that breastfeeding is going to hurt. Please know that if breastfeeding isn’t 100% comfortable, it is important to seek out help from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, also known as an IBCLC, so they can find a solution for you.
Another common myth is that breastmilk will go bad or dry up if you become scared or upset, or that you have to eat a special diet or drink large amounts of water to breastfeed.
None of these myths are true!
We understand how daunting it can feel to return to work soon after just having your baby. It can really help to talk to your provider or lactation expert, and others who have also gone through the experience of preparing to return to work.
California Lactation Accommodation laws protect breastfeeding women’s right to pump at work!
Typically beginning to pump milk once per day, in between feedings 1-2 months before you plan to return to work will really help to increase your milk supply to store for those caring for your baby while you are at work.
Parents should also know that there are laws in place in California that protect those who are pumping at work. Your place of work, by law, should provide a private space for you to pump as needed that is not a bathroom.
Most insurance will cover a pump and you can request it through either your clinic or directly contacting your insurance. WIC also loans pumps if you are eligible. Most families may not know that they may qualify for WIC and they can call 707-565-6590 and someone will ask a few questions and determine if they qualify for WIC services right over the phone.
Breastfeeding (chestfeeding) your baby exclusively has all of the nutrition your baby needs to grow and develop and has health benefits for you as well! Like most parts of being a new parent, feeding your baby is both challenging and rewarding. You don’t have to learn this new skill on your own, free help is available.
Even if breastfeeding is challenging in the beginning, it is worth the effort to resolve the problems that arise! There are solutions to the vast majority of breastfeeding issues!
Finding support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, or IBCLC, is vitally important as IBCLCs are the most qualified practitioner to help you reach your breastfeeding goals!