Breastfeeding and Lactation Support for New Mothers
Goals and Outline of This Program: 2026 Update
This program exists to help encourage new mothers to choose to breastfeed their babies by providing information, donated goods relating to breastfeeding, and info on lactation support.
This shall be accomplished by providing links to authorities on the matter, educating new parents via handout info-sheets, as well as providing help to women and their families in the form of no-cost care kits.
This program is open to all women who are pregnant or who have just given birth and can still choose to breastfeed.
To receive a Breastfeeding Care Kit, please click on the Button entitled “For Moms!”
To donate goods or to make a monetary donation to this program, specifically, please click on the donate button below.
Breastfeeding: The Best Option, When It’s An Option
Breastfeeding is the best option for both mother and baby, when its a feasible choice. Some women just can’t breastfeed due to real life circumstances or a physiological reasons; for them, it’s non-negotiable.
However, women who can breastfeed and either choose not to, or don’t ever really explore the option, should really look into the science before making that choice.
Breast milk has so many advantages over infant formula, even the organic and “natural” types, it’s really the healthiest choice.
Research in the last twenty years have identified key nutrients in breast milk that positively affect the newborn, infant, and even toddler in various ways.
You Can Breast Feed Without Any Special Stuff…But Some Products Can Help
A woman is sufficient unto herself to breastfeed without the aid of any special foods or creams or preparations.
It’s really true!
It’s also true that help from a qualified Lactation Professional may be what you need. Most health insurance plans cover this service, and most women receive a shorthand lactation care session in-hospital. Lactation Specialists travel to the home and can help teach you what you need to know.
Many new mothers also find that there are a variety products and traditional remedies that can help make the breastfeeding journey easier, from specialized breastfeeding bras to lactation edibles and more.
To that end, we sought some help getting donations from companies specializing in making things that help to make breastfeeding the most comfortable and doable.
Our care kits include a New-with-Tags feeding bra, nipple or belly cream, lactation cookies, and an information packet with links to important information for new parents about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as general information on breastfeeding.
These items can help you on your journey into breastfeeding.
This program is open to all currently pregnant or postnatal women residing on Staten Island, in Northern New Jersey , or in Philadelphia.
This program is funded by Mountainside Partners, with generous product donations from Mrs. Patel’s Cookies, and Motherlove brands.
Breastfeed with Confidence! There’s Nothing to Fear!
There’s nothing to fear, as breastfeeding is a natural process. Keep in mind, however, that natural does not mean automatic.
Many new Moms give up, thinking, “Maybe some women can, but I can’t!” just because they are encountering difficulties or someone’s feeding them discouraging words.
But there IS hope!
Never give up!
And, if you must give up, because of a good reason, such as medical condition, or something else that’s quite serious, you may feel saddened, however respect and acknowledged this as valid, and feel no guilt, because you did what you could.
And, don’t allow anyone, anywhere, to try putting guilt on you for your choices, even if it’s solely life circumstances preventing you from breastfeeding.
Most Woman Can Actually Provide Sufficient Milk
When is it truly not possible to breastfeed? There are instances for some women in the postpartum phase that make breastfeeding impossible, due to serious health issues, contraindicated medications, physical differences, or past surgeries. But for the vast majority of women, breastfeeding IS possible!
New Moms may be concerned because of the pain. Really, though, with a proper latch and good positioning, breastfeeding should not hurt, even for a minute!
New Moms might also be concerned because their “milk isn’t coming in,” or worry that they won’t ever produce sufficient milk because their own mother and/or sisters did not breastfeed due to “insufficient milk.”
However, neither of these reasons really mean they cannot provide milk. A registered Lactation Consultant or peer counselor can help with milk production issues, and most are covered by insurance plans, and can even be found providing free services at WIC centers.
Sometimes Hospital Lactation Care Practitioners Do Not Actually Help
Many women receive an in-hospital consultation from a certified lactation care professional. Unfortunately, too many women are not given positive and workable advice. Sometimes, the advice is not even based in medical fact, and is just opinion. If you were told that you can’t produce enough milk by a LC two days after delivery, or you were told the baby, or your nipple, has an issue, try finding an IBCLC or other LC who really puts the time in to find a solution, and not just blaming you and your baby without providing a path forward.
Breastfeeding: A Worthwhile Choice
When it’s not impossible, but rather just a matter of receiving qualified help to assist with issues, new Moms should always opt to breastfeed. It doesn’t matter if the new parent is terribly stressed, eating an imperfect diet, or even smoking. The mother’s milk will be infinitely more helpful to the growing baby than infant formula alone ever could be, even in those cases.
If breastfeeding’s not working so well, a new parent can be comforted knowing that most new Moms experience difficulties. However, for many women, it’s just a matter of getting the hang of it.
Breastfeeding is a skill set that must be learned; it’s not instinct for us humans.
Therefore, there’s a lot to know.
This knowledge was handed down through generations. And, in the modern era, a good deal of research has been conducted on breastfeeding, by groups like the Healthy Children Project, the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, and others.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding provides a plethora of benefits to both nursing parent and baby! There are tons of scientific studies proving this; it’s not just an assertion based on opinion. Whether it’s milk from a new Mom, her wife, or even someone no longer identifying as a woman, it’s all good! And, hand expressed, or pumped, human milk is still incredible.
For instance, did you know that mothers who breastfeed have lower incidence of certain cancers? Or, that milk has special oligosaccharides that encourage the growth of a beneficial microbiome in the intestines? The benefits are real, and the research is there backing this all up.
Exclusive Breastfeeding: How Will I Make Enough Milk?
Exclusive breastfeeding has a number of health benefits. While Infant Formula can be used either alone, or in combination with breast milk, many studies have show the most benefit is derived from feeding your baby exclusively with breast milk.
If you’re having trouble keeping up, learn what you need to, either on your own, or with the aid of a Lactation Specialist. It’s worth it, and your baby’s health will, statistically speaking, benefit from this.