Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition
Breastfeeding
Every woman's journey to motherhood is different, but one of the first decisions a new mom makes is how to feed her child. When you choose to breastfeed, you make an investment in your baby's future. Breastfeeding allows you to make the food that is perfect for your baby. Your milk gives your baby the healthy start that will last a lifetime. Breastfeeding protects your baby, benefits your health, and can make your life easier.
Need Help and Support?
Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition offers Breastfeeding Education Classes!
Learn how you and your family can feel confident, empowered, and prepared for your breastfeeding experience. While breastfeeding is a natural part of having a child, the art of latching the baby onto the breast is learned. Whatever your goals are for breastfeeding, this class can help you be prepared to meet them. All of our Breastfeeding Education Classes are taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). We recommend taking this class before your baby arrives.
Class Topics Include:
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Rooming in with baby
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Breastfeeding positions
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The breast crawl
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Delaying the first bath
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Establishing & maintaining milk supply
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Hunger cues
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How to know if baby is getting enough
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Common challenges and how to overcome them
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Getting dad and family involved
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Bottle and pacifier use, what is best?
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And so much more!
To sign up for our next class, head over to our registration page.
We also offer breastfeeding support!
We have trained members on our team to assist in your breastfeeding needs. To request help,
please fill out a breastfeeding support request by clicking here.
Lower Keys Medical Center is currently offering
in-person Breastfeeding Education Classes!
They are being held at 5900 College Road, Key West, FL 33040 and you can sign up through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lower-keys-medical-center-13435348685.
These classes are taught in English, Spanish, and Creole.
Certified Lactation Consultants in Monroe County
Alanna Dixon, MA, IBCLC, RLC
Upper Keys Lactation
850-510-2614
www.upperkeyslactation.com
Upper Keys Lactation Facebook Page
FKHSC is not endorsing the services of any person in this list; we are merely sharing resources.
FKHSC Breast Pump Program
Healthy Start clients have access to breastfeeding support and resources through the Healthy Start program. Commercial grade breast pumps are available to the community at large, with the purchase of the breast pump kit, as pumps are available. Call 305-809-5654 for more information.
Affordable Care Act and Breastfeeding
The Affordable Care Act has made breastfeeding more accessible and affordable for women. Unfortunately, many women are not aware that their insurer may cover breastfeeding supplies. The National Women's Law Center has produced a booklet that explains, in general, what benefits may be available to breastfeeding women.
Click here to read the booklet.
Breast pumps are medical devices regulated by the FDA. These devices are often used by breastfeeding women to extract (“express”) their breast milk. Breast pumps can also be used to maintain or increase a woman’s milk supply, relieve engorged breasts and plugged milk ducts, or pull out flat or inverted nipples so a nursing baby can latch-on to its mother’s breast more easily.
Here are some accredited resources to get your own breast pump:
Businesses in Monroe County that are Family-Friendly
Interested in what businesses in Monroe county have taken initiative to being Family-Friendly? We have a page dedicated to these wonderful business who have committed themselves to support breastfeeding and pumping mothers in the workplace.
WIC Breastfeeding Support - See how pumping can help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
Florida Health Department - The Florida WIC program promotes and supports breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a normal part of mothers and babies being together. To get off to a good start, learn all you can about breastfeeding during your pregnancy.
WomensHealth.gov -summary of how breastfeeding can benefit your baby and you.
KellyMom - provides support & evidence-based information on breastfeeding, sleep and parenting from an IBCLC.
La Leche League International - helps mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and more.
MotherToBaby - the nation’s leading authority and most trusted source of evidence-based information on the safety of medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Global Health Initiative - helpful "how to" breastfeeding videos.