Community SupportYou don’t have to do it alone! Community support is available to you right here in Connecticut. This includes your healthcare providers, family, friends, workplace, school, and a variety of local support organizations and resources. Having good support can help you meet your infant feeding goals.
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“I talked about it with my providers, and they gave me lots of great advice. I met with a lactation consultant when I was having those struggles the first time around… I had support from my husband as well.” |
Healthcare Providers
Many breastfeeding/chestfeeding persons say that getting support from their healthcare providers helped them meet their goals. Ask your doctor/your baby’s doctor about their lactation training. Depending on their education and experience, they should be able to provide encouragement and validation. They should also be able to connect you with a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Lactation Counselor (CLC) or a peer counselor to assist you with questions, concerns or difficulties that are beyond their education and training.
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Many IBCLCs are also doctors, nurses, or dietitians. Certified Lactation Counselors have at least 40 hours of training but may not have the same education and background as an IBCLC. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors have personal experience with lactation along with specific training. IBCLCs, CLCs and Peers all work together to provide you with the support you need. You can find an IBCLC on the International Lactation Consultant Association website and all types of support providers on ZipMilk.org.
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Many IBCLCs are also doctors, nurses, or dietitians. Certified Lactation Counselors have at least 40 hours of training but may not have the same education and background as an IBCLC. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors have personal experience with lactation along with specific training. IBCLCs, CLCs and Peers all work together to provide you with the support you need. You can find an IBCLC on the International Lactation Consultant Association website and all types of support providers on ZipMilk.org.
“Start early, get pumping and hand expressing right after delivery, get proper rest, get the lactation support. Utilize family to help support doing other things around the house so [you] can concentrate on breastfeeding.”
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are people in your community who are breastfeeding/chestfeeding or have in the past. They have received specific training to support you in meeting your feeding goals.
The Connecticut Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides breast & chestfeeding education and support to all moms that qualify for the WIC Program. The Connecticut WIC Program operates a breastfeeding peer counseling program in 8 of its 9 local agencies. WIC peer counselors are current or past WIC participants that have experience in breastfeeding and are trained using a Federally developed curriculum, to provide peer support to WIC participants that want to provide their milk to their babies. WIC peers counselors also work with WIC Nutritionists and WIC IBCLC when participants need clinical support for feeding challenges. Learn more and find your local CT WIC agency here.
The Connecticut Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides breast & chestfeeding education and support to all moms that qualify for the WIC Program. The Connecticut WIC Program operates a breastfeeding peer counseling program in 8 of its 9 local agencies. WIC peer counselors are current or past WIC participants that have experience in breastfeeding and are trained using a Federally developed curriculum, to provide peer support to WIC participants that want to provide their milk to their babies. WIC peers counselors also work with WIC Nutritionists and WIC IBCLC when participants need clinical support for feeding challenges. Learn more and find your local CT WIC agency here.
“It doesn't always look like the way we want it to look like. But me being there and providing a judgment-free zone for them is what is going to really make the most impact.”
Family & Friends
Find your circle of support. Share your feeding choice with family and friends, and work together to come up with a plan that works for you. How will they help take care of you and your new baby? Be mindful of the first few days after you leave the hospital. Decide who will help with housework, meals, and caring for your other children while you focus on feeding and getting to know your new baby. You can use the Make It Yours Checklist to assist you in making a good plan.
Work & School
Before you give birth, talk to human resources, your supervisor, or student services to learn about any worksite lactation policies. You can use the It’s Your Journey Checklist to help ensure that your employer or school are included in your support network.
Be aware of federal and state worksite and anti-discrimination laws that protect you and your right to breastfeed/chestfeed or pump milk when at work. Find Connecticut’s Breastfeeding in the Workplace laws here.
Be aware of federal and state worksite and anti-discrimination laws that protect you and your right to breastfeed/chestfeed or pump milk when at work. Find Connecticut’s Breastfeeding in the Workplace laws here.
Breastfeeding in Public
Feeding your baby is a natural activity and does not need to be hidden when you’re out in public. In fact, Connecticut law protects your right to breastfeed in public! It might help to practice at home with different clothes and positions, to build your confidence. If you prefer more privacy, you can always drape a light blanket over your baby. Do what's most comfortable for you. For more information about your rights, please visit breastfeedingct.org.
Community Resources
There are many additional resources available to help you. The following are just a few.
ZipMilk
Locate lactation help near you; search by your zip code.
Your Local Hospital
Many local hospitals in CT offer their own resources for nursing families support groups, education and community provider referrals.
La Leche League
Monthly in-person group support meetings throughout the state, virtual monthly Facebook meetings, non-emergency phone helpline and online resources. Assistance available in Spanish.
www.lllct.org
860-563-62562
help@lllct.org
Breastfeeding USA
Counselors are available through monthly in-person group meetings throughout the state, active Facebook chat, and phone or email.
Perinatal Case Management
Free program for HUSKY members. Helps make appointments and provides transportation. Services also include assistance with housing, referrals to WIC, breast pumps and baby supplies.
800-859-9889 ext. 2025
Connecticut WIC Program
Eligible participants receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding and nutrition education, plus supplemental foods.
Support Professionals
Health Providers & Professionals - Breastfeeding Allies
Order Free Breastfeeding Education Materials
You can help by sharing the “It’s Worth It” Materials with families you see. All materials are free and can be ordered from the CT Department of Public Health. [Please use the order form on this page.]
ZipMilk
Locate lactation help near you; search by your zip code.
Your Local Hospital
Many local hospitals in CT offer their own resources for nursing families support groups, education and community provider referrals.
La Leche League
Monthly in-person group support meetings throughout the state, virtual monthly Facebook meetings, non-emergency phone helpline and online resources. Assistance available in Spanish.
www.lllct.org
860-563-62562
help@lllct.org
Breastfeeding USA
Counselors are available through monthly in-person group meetings throughout the state, active Facebook chat, and phone or email.
Perinatal Case Management
Free program for HUSKY members. Helps make appointments and provides transportation. Services also include assistance with housing, referrals to WIC, breast pumps and baby supplies.
800-859-9889 ext. 2025
Connecticut WIC Program
Eligible participants receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding and nutrition education, plus supplemental foods.
Support Professionals
Health Providers & Professionals - Breastfeeding Allies
Order Free Breastfeeding Education Materials
You can help by sharing the “It’s Worth It” Materials with families you see. All materials are free and can be ordered from the CT Department of Public Health. [Please use the order form on this page.]
“Moms need the support. Even if it's just, ‘Yes, you're doing great, keep going.’”