If you have more information about what to expect, you will be more likely to stick with breastfeeding even if you face some of the common challenges.

The following are some great resources for learning what to expect.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics handout on “Breastfeeding your Baby”
  http://www.doc4kids.com/pdf/breastfeeding%20your%20baby.pdf
  
  
• An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding for American Indian and Alaska Native Families
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/pub/BF.AIAN.pdf
  
  
• This is WIC’s pamphlet on “What to Expect in the First Week of Breastfeeding”
  http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/breastfeeding/Documents/MO-WhatToExpect1stWkBF-Eng.pdf
  
  
• Here’s one from the American Academy of Pediatrics on what to expect in the first few weeks of breastfeeding
  http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/pages/Settling-In-The-First-Few-Weeks-of-Breastfeeding.aspx

Learn about the resources in your community before your baby arrives. Ask your provider if they are supportive of women breastfeeding. Ask them about local community members and providers that can encourage you and help you if you face any difficulties.

• The Indian Health Service has a website dedicated to breastfeeding. It has wonderful information to support you in making good decisions for you and your baby.

http://www.ihs.gov/medicalprograms/mch/M/bf.cfm

• The Indian Health Service has a team dedicated to encouraging best practices. They are available for information and consultations. Contact

IHS Best Practice Breastfeeding Site Contacts: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
1-877-868-9473
(1-877-TOTWISE)

• There's a National Helpline through the Department of Health and Human Services that has trained breastfeeding peer counselors available Monday through Friday. The National Breastfeeding Hotline from the Office on Women’s Health has counselors who speak English and Spanish.

The National Breastfeeding Hotline is 1-800-994-9662

Studies prove how important a supportive partner is to successful breastfeeding. Learn how you can help support and nurture a healthy family.

• Their support makes a difference. Make sure they know it!
  http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/wicworks/Documents/NE/WIC-NE-EdMaterials-DadBreastfeedingFlyer-English.pdf
  
  
• La Leche League has several resources for Dad’s: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/dad.html

The most common reason women stop breastfeeding is concern that they aren’t making enough milk. Discuss this during prenatal visits and learn about how to assess how much milk your baby is truly getting. Here’s some handouts that can address the common question “How will I know if my baby’s getting enough?”

• From the AAP:
  http://www.healthychildren.org/english/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/pages/Making-Sure-Your-Baby-is-Getting-Enough-Milk.aspx
  
  
• From the California Department of Public Health:
  http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/breastfeeding/Documents/MO-DiaperInfoEng.pdf
  
  
• Dr. Jack Newman’s information on the subject
  http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/4pdf.pdf