After You and Your Baby Are Home

Don’t worry- most breastfeeding problems can be overcome and help is just a click (or call) away! Visit our Finding Help page to find breastfeeding help near you.

Baby Steps to Breastfeeding Success

© Addie Imseis/USBC 2010

1- Breastfeed exclusively (giving only your milk) for at least 6 months.

2- Once you start other foods around 6 months, continue to breastfeed for at least a year, and for as long after that as you both want.

3- If you are returning to work or school, talk with your employer about bringing your baby to work, or expressing milk while you are at work so your baby can continue to receive your milk. It’s also a great way to stay connected even when you must be apart! Get more tips about breastfeeding and retuning to work and talking with your employer here.

4- Click here for more helpful information about breastfeeding your baby once you are home.

Communicating About Your Hospital Experience

Were you satisfied with your hospital experience?  Did you get the support you needed to get breastfeeding off to a good start?

Whether your experience was positive or negative, your hospital wants to hear from you!

Knowing that new mothers are busy, the Illinois State Breastfeeding Taskforce has created two sample letters to provide an easy way for mothers to give the hospital feedback on how well they put the Breastfeeding Bill of Rights into practice—and give the mothers the opportunity to tell their stories.  Please share your story with your hospital!

Hospital Experience—”Pleased” Letter

Hospital Experience—”Disappointed” Letter

Moms- remember that you are consumers in the hospital business too!  Your experiences—and who you share your experiences with—can become a great marketing tool for the hospital, as well as a help them improve their support breastfeeding moms and babies.

The information above was adapted from @ 2010 International Lactation Consultant Association. Written by Cathy Carothers for World Breastfeeding Week Action Kit, “Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps! The Baby-Friendly Way.”