Breastfeeding

Get a breastfeeding helper

All over the world, women learn how to nurse from experienced moms. Here in the United States, we may not always have family or friends nearby to help us or our family or friends may not know anything about breastfeeding. Luckily, we have breastfeeding helpers, trained to help moms learn to breastfeed. They have breastfed their own babies too.

We can refer you to a breastfeeding helper at no cost to you. Contact us.

The Best Start for your New Baby

Breast milk is amazing food. It is custom-made to help your baby grow strong and healthy. It even changes when your baby’s needs change. Because it is custom-made for your baby, it is easy to digest.

Breastfeeding (also called nursing) helps build a special bond between mother and baby. It’s good for babies, mothers and the environment!

Best for Babies

Babies who are breastfed have:

  • Fewer ear problems
  • Fewer colds
  • Lower risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  • Lower risk of food and skin allergies throughout childhood and the teen years
  • An easier time digesting the milk

Best for Mothers

Breastfeeding is good for Mothers because it:

  • Helps the uterus go back to its correct size
  • Can reduce the risk for anemia, osteoporosis, breast and ovarian cancer
  • May help mothers to lose pregnancy weight faster
  • Promotes bonding between mother and baby
  • Doesn't involve preparation time and it's easy
  • Saves money as baby formula can be expensive

Best for the Environment

Breast milk saves other natural resources. If every baby in the U.S. was breastfed, we would save yearly:

  • 86,000 tons of tin
  • 1,230 tons of paper

Resources

The Alliance has breastfeeding resources for you:

Contact us:
healthpromotion@alamedaalliance.org
(510) 747-4567 or 1-877-371-2222
CRS 711 / TTY 1-800-735-2929
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Other Links:

National Health Information Center (Health Finder) http://www.healthfinder.gov/ and click on “B” and select “Breastfeeding.”