Breastfeeding Support

Please contact La Leche League’s 24-hour helpline at 1-877-452-5324.

The best way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk is weight gain, along with daily wet and poo diapers. You can expect to see a daily increase in number of poo diapers, by day four up to baby’s first month you should see at least two or more. If you are ever concerned that your baby is not getting enough milk, contact their pediatrician.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months. Both also suggest that breastfeeding for a year or more is beneficial for your baby.

It does not matter what size breasts you have you can still breastfeed. If you had any enhancements or surgical procedures on your breasts, always consult your medical provider on your ability to breastfeed.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires most employers to provide break time for you to express milk at work until your baby is one year old. Contact your employer’s Human Resources team and ask about any breastfeeding policies they may have. For more information about your rights to pump at work, please visit the US Department of Labor.

It is completely safe to store breastmilk next to other foods in a refrigerator. Make sure you use breastmilk storage bags or clean, food-grade containers to store expressed breastmilk. Containers should be made of glass or plastic and have tight fitting lids. Click here for more information on storing breastmilk.

Expressed milk can last six months to a year in the freezer, up to four days in the refrigerator, and up to four hours at room temperature.

Transport the pumped milk in an insulated cooler; breastmilk can be stored in a cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. Clearly label the container with the child’s name and talk to your childcare provider beforehand about any other requirements for labeling and storing breast milk.