Consumer Health Minute: Breastfeeding

Posted by Carolyn Martin on August 2nd, 2023 Posted in: Consumer Health, Health Observances
Tags: breastfeeding, consumer health, health information, National Health Observances

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August is National Breastfeeding Month along with Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25 – 31). Expectant and new parents often learn about the benefits of breastfeeding or nursing and may choose this method of feeding their babies. Everyone experiences breastfeeding differently from very positive to very frustrating. Not everyone thinks about taking their questions to their doctor or nurse. They may feel embarrassed or unsure of what to even ask. They may come to the library for information. What resources to offer?

MedlinePlus has a health topic page on Breastfeeding including a link to an Easy-to-Read resource. Some information is also available in Spanish.

Note too that there are links regarding additional breastfeeding considerations such as:

• breastfeeding for adoptive moms
• travel recommendations,
• infant allergies and food sensitivities
• breast pumps
• breastfeeding after a C-section and more.

The Medical Encyclopedia links are good to consider as they can provide clear and concise information without overwhelming.

The Office of Women’s Health has an excellent list of topics all focusing on breastfeeding. This list includes but is not limited to:

• Learning to breastfeed
• Breastfeeding challenges
• Breastfeeding and going back to work (including information for employers to support nursing moms)
• Breastfeeding in public

But remember, as information specialists, we are not breastfeeding specialists. It is always good to encourage your patrons to take the information to their healthcare professional with their questions to see how it applies to their situation. Using the tools in Talking with Your Doctor may help them clarify their questions and concerns and be better prepared for their appointment.