Whether you’re just beginning your breastfeeding journey, navigating common challenges, or supporting someone else, having access to reliable, evidence-based information can make all the difference. These resources can help you feel confident, troubleshoot concerns, and make informed decisions that support both parent and baby’s health.
For Parents
Breastfeeding Education
First Droplets
A library of instructional videos on topics such as breastfeeding in the first hour, hand expression, pumping techniques, and increasing milk supply.
Breastfeeding Basics for Moms (PDF)
A WIC-branded guide explaining the benefits of breastfeeding, recognizing hunger cues, diaper tracking, weight gain, and returning to work planning. Originally from August 2018, this version was reprinted in May 2023.
Lactation Consultants
Nest Collaborative
A network of IBCLCs delivering online lactation support, offering prenatal planning, breastfeeding education, and tips for both families and providers.
Support
Parent to Parent Support
La Leche League International (LLLI)
Offers broad breastfeeding support, including worldwide leader-led groups, publications, webinars, and online resources.
USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
USDA WIC – Eligibility Requirements
Outlines who qualifies for WIC: pregnant/postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers (up to baby’s 1st birthday), non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months), infants, and children under five. Also highlights automatic eligibility via programs like Medicaid or SNAP.
Guidelines
Breast Milk Storage & Preparation
Guidelines on safely storing and preparing expressed breast milk: room temperature (up to 4 hours), refrigerator (up to 4 days), freezer (6 months best, 12 months acceptable), plus thawing and warming tips.
Infant Feeding in Emergencies (Multilingual)
Provides breastfeeding guidance and support resources across multiple languages for crisis or emergency situations.
Pumping Breast Milk
Advice on when and how often to pump, hand expression, cleaning pump parts, and ensuring safe milk handling. Advises starting a few weeks before returning to work or being separated from the baby.
Books
Breastfeeding- A Parents Guide by Amy Spangler, IBCLC
Looking for a helpful book on breastfeeding? Here is Dr. Jennifer Smilowitz's recommendation for a practical step-by-step guide for today's parents―parents who wonder how breastfeeding will fit into their busy lives.
The Art of Breastfeeding
Covering the whole range of breastfeeding experiences, including supplementing, exclusive expressing, adoptive nursing, relactation, milk sharing, and more.
For Professionals
First Droplets
Aimed at healthcare professionals (e.g., MDs, IBCLCs), this section offers webinars like “Why Promote Pre and Postnatal Hand Expression?” for staff training and education.
Donor Milk & Milk Bank Information
Find a Milk Bank
A directory for Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) member milk banks. It helps users locate centers where they can donate or receive donor milk, with regional details—including multiple options within California.