Where do I go for help?
  • Please visit our Support & Events page for a breastfeeding support group near you! 
How does Mom benefit from breastfeeding?
  1. Breastfeeding protects against breast and ovary cancer, reduces risk of diabetes, reduces pregnancy weight gain, reduces depressive symptoms, and postpones ovulation
  2. Breastfeeding encourages bonding with baby and nighttime sleeping
 
How does a baby benefit from breastfeeding?
  1.  Builds immune system and protects against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, obesity, depression, allergies, ear infections, dental problems, and respiratory problems
  2. Contains all the nutrition a baby needs for development during the first six months of life and changes flavor
    with maternal diet (preparing the palate for a wide range of tastes), antibodies for local infectious agents,
    contents based on time of day, and fat/protein content with needs of growing child
  3. Breastfeeding is correlated with graduating from high school, emotional stability, secure attachment, positive mental health,
    increased intelligence, less substance abuse and addiction

What are some other sources of breast milk? 
The coalition does not endorse milk sharing but we share the information below for those who are interested in such options. La Leche League encourages careful screening of any donated milk.

  • Milk Banks
          According to the World Health Organization, the best food for an infant is its own mother’s breast milk. The next best alternative, however, is expressed breast milk from another mother or banked milk.  Banked milk is ideal for formula-fed infants who are intolerant of or allergic to formula and infants whose mothers cannot supply breastmilk. In some cases, such as when infants are born premature, breast milk is necessary for survival, making milk banks very necessary. Some mothers who cannot breastfeed or who have adopted may still wish to provide their infants with breastmilk and can turn to milk banks if they wish. Banked milk can only be acquired with a doctor’s prescription, so it is important to consult your doctor when making the decision to give your infant donor milk.

            Donated milk is very safe and carefully screened. Mothers who donate do not smoke, take any medications, must be in good health, and must test negative for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and HTLV. They must also provide evidence of their immunity to rubella, test negative for syphilis, and provide their TB and herpes history. Once the milk reaches the bank, it is pasteurized, which destroys CMV and HIV viruses without stripping the milk of its nutritional benefits. Considering the nutritional benefits it provides, donor milk is relatively inexpensive and is covered by many medical insurance policies.

            In the United States, there are 10 milk banks that adhere to the standards of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Donated milk can be picked up directly from the milk bank, but if you do not live near an accredited milk bank, you can have it shipped directly to you.

Accredited Milk Banks:Mothers’ Milk Bank San Jose, CA
Mothers' Milk Bank Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospitalfor Children (Denver, CO)
Indiana Mothers' Milk Bank, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN)
Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa (Coralville, IA)
Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank (Kalamazoo, MI)
WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank and Lactation Center (Raleigh, NC)
Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio (Columbus, OH)
Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin (Austin, TX)
Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas (Ft. Worth, TX)
Mothers' Milk Bank of New England (Newtonville, MA)

  • Wet Nursing
Although most countries have hospitals who allow milk sharing among mothers, USA hospitals typically do not.

For popular stories on wet nursing in the USA, see:

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2032363,00.html

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1612710,00.html