Online resources for breastfeeding support

Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or still on the fence, the time to start thinking about it is when you’re still pregnant. We’ve compiled a list of the most reputable foundations and websites dedicated to giving you accurate information and setting you up for the best breastfeeding start possible.

Best for Babes Foundation is a registered charity in the United States that provides information to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals and to refute misinformation surrounding breastfeeding. On its site, you will find resources to help you overcome cultural and institutional barriers to breastfeeding, such as not having anyone in your family or circle of friends who has breastfed, not having an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) on staff at the hospital where you gave birth and doctors who provide dated information.

KellyMom.com provides evidence-based information and support for breastfeeding mothers. If, in the middle of the night, you’re unsure your baby’s latch is correct, KellyMom will ease your fears with its informative articles. The resources are written by IBCLCs and range from how to conserve your breast milk freezer stash when the power goes out to what is normal when breastfeeding a newborn.

Breastfeeding Inc. offers resources by two well-known experts on breastfeeding. Dr. Jack Newman and lactation consultant Edith Kernerman provide up-to-date information to assist mothers who breastfeed. The website contains articles and videos in multiple languages on such topics as mother-guided latching, cup feeding and tongue-tie release. You can also find links to reputable books and updates on drug safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Sometimes when you need breastfeeding advice and support, the best place to look is to mothers who have been through it all. The Leaky Boob is a “breastfeeding support community sharing personal stories and experience along with educational information while providing a safe space for open discussion.” The website is full of useful information on how to get through the early breastfeeding days as well as how to breastfeed after having a C-section. The community also has a Facebook page, with over 100,000 members offering support, encouragement and beautiful moments.

One of the most well-known resources for breastfeeding advice and support, La Leche League Canada (LLLC) was started to “encourage, promote and provide mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and educational opportunities as an important contribution to the health of children, families and society.” LLLC is a long-standing national organization run by trained volunteers, and the website offers answers to common breastfeeding questions as well as a toll-free number should you need assistance right away.

Breastfeeding After Breast and Nipple Surgeries (BFAR) provides valuable information for those who have had breast or nipple surgery and hope to have a positive breastfeeding experience — which is totally possible. You will find resource articles on frequently asked questions, from “How will pregnancy and breastfeeding affect the size of my breasts?” to “Is it possible that the pain I’m feeling during nursing is from adhesion or scar tissue from the surgery?” BFAR offers a long list of resource sites and books as well as an active forum where you can connect with others who have undergone breast and/or nipple surgery and are hoping to breastfeed.

More on babies

Age-old question: To breastfeed or not to breastfeed?
Preemie care: What a parent should know
What to bring to the hospital for a newborn