Breastfeeding can have many health benefits for your baby and its development. This section includes resources to learn more about breastfeeding and support with breastfeeding.
How can I get support from someone to help me breastfeed?
An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can provide expert knowledge, support, and care related to:
- Breastfeeding
- Pumping
- Lactation
Many IBCLCs work in hospitals and clinics. They may have their own private lactation consultant service. You can find an IBCLC using this directory.
If you are eligible for WIC Services, you can access breastfeeding support. This is done through a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are mothers who have also breastfed their own babies. They are trained to give guidance to other moms on breastfeeding. For more information, visit the WIC breastfeeding page.
La Leche League is an organization which offers support groups for breastfeeding moms. They also provide breastfeeding guidance. Find your local La Leche League.
If you are a veteran, your local VA Clinic may be able to provide more information, support, or resources regarding breastfeeding. Find a VA Hospital near you.
How can I get a breast pump?
If you are eligible for or enrolled in WIC, you may reach out to your local WIC clinic to ask about loaning a breast pump.
Some Medicaid and private insurance plans may cover the cost of a breast pump. Ask your insurance plan provider about your options!
If I am pumping, how do I store my breast milk in a safe way?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidance for safely:
- Handling breastmilk
- Storing breastmilk
- Thawing breastmilk
- Using breastmilk
- Cleaning breast pumps and infant feeding equipment
How will my medications affect my breast milk?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or a healthcare provider, MotherToBaby provides free reliable, evidence-based resources. It includes the most up-to-date research on how medications and substances effect breast-milk and might affect baby’s health. Services are available in Spanish and English. Also be sure to always ask your provider.
How to contact MotherToBaby:
- Phone: 866-626-6847 (toll free)
- Text: 855-999-3525 (standard messaging rates may apply)
- Chat: Live Chat on website
- Email: Email form on website (if there’s any complication, ContactUs@mothertobaby.org)
What are my rights related to breastfeeding?
In Virginia, you have the right to breastfeed in public. See Code of Virginia law for the right to breastfeed in public.
Under Virginia law, you are protected from discrimination by an employer based on:
- Being pregnant
- Giving birth
- Lacatating or needing to pump
You also have the legal right for reasonable accommodation(s) in the workplace for pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, and lactation (for example, you should be given a safe place to pump). See Code of Virginia law for reasonable accommodations.
Read more about your legal rights to breastfeeding in Virginia.
What if I produce more breast milk than I need (also called a surplus of milk)?
If you have a surplus of breast milk, consider donating it. Your donation could help infants across Virginia who are critically ill or born extremely premature. Learn more about how to become a donor.
Other Breastfeeding Related Resources
The Appalachian Breastfeeding Network is a nonprofit organization that helps people in the Appalachian region learn about breastfeeding. Visit their website for information on lactation and ways to get involved with their organization if you are a breastfeeding support provider or organization.
The Virginia Breastfeeding Advisory Committee involves organizations across the Commonwealth collaborating on solutions and strategies to increase breastfeeding.
The Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Their website contains several resources for breastfeeding mothers in Virginia. It also has resources for breastfeeding support professionals on how to get involved.