Q: If I’m breastfeeding, does my baby need other food, like water, cereal, or juice?A: That depends on the age of your baby. If your baby is younger than 6 months, your breastmilk provides all the nutrition your baby needs. If you’re worried that your baby is not eating enough, talk to your doctor.
Q: I’m having trouble breastfeeding. What can I do?A: Breastfeeding can be hard for some women, especially at the beginning. But it is important to remember that you are not alone. Start with these tips. If you’re still having trouble, call the OWH Helpline toll-free at 1-800-994-9662 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, to talk to a trained breastfeeding peer counselor in English or Spanish.
Q: I need to be away from my baby and won’t be able to breastfeed. Should I give her formula instead?A: When you’re away from your baby, you can pump and refrigerate (or freeze) your milk. This is important for both you and your baby. She will still get the nutrition she needs, and your body will continue to make milk for her.
Q: I need a breast pump, and I heard the government would pay for it. How does that work?A: The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to provide breastfeeding equipment and counseling during the time you are breastfeeding. If you have private health insurance, contact your insurance company to find out what kind of pump is covered and what you need to do to get one.
If you have Medicaid, contact your Medicaid insurance company to ask whether they cover breast pumps for breastfeeding mothers. If not, you may be eligible for one through your local WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) program. Contact your WIC State Breastfeeding Coordinator for more information.
Womenshealth.gov
Q: I’m having trouble breastfeeding. What can I do?A: Breastfeeding can be hard for some women, especially at the beginning. But it is important to remember that you are not alone. Start with these tips. If you’re still having trouble, call the OWH Helpline toll-free at 1-800-994-9662 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, to talk to a trained breastfeeding peer counselor in English or Spanish.
Q: I need to be away from my baby and won’t be able to breastfeed. Should I give her formula instead?A: When you’re away from your baby, you can pump and refrigerate (or freeze) your milk. This is important for both you and your baby. She will still get the nutrition she needs, and your body will continue to make milk for her.
Q: I need a breast pump, and I heard the government would pay for it. How does that work?A: The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to provide breastfeeding equipment and counseling during the time you are breastfeeding. If you have private health insurance, contact your insurance company to find out what kind of pump is covered and what you need to do to get one.
If you have Medicaid, contact your Medicaid insurance company to ask whether they cover breast pumps for breastfeeding mothers. If not, you may be eligible for one through your local WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) program. Contact your WIC State Breastfeeding Coordinator for more information.
Womenshealth.gov