Breastfeeding gives your baby the most healthy start in life. Breastfeeding also offers a very special time for you and your baby, and gives your baby a gift of health, love and security.
Breastmilk is the perfect food for a baby - Not only is it completely free and always available, it has all of the right ingredients, in just the right amounts. Breastfed babies are sick less often, and suffer from less earaches, allergies, and diarrhea. Breastmilk has even been proven to make the baby’s brain grow!
Breastfeeding is great for mom, too – It burns 500 calories a day! It’s a great way to get back in shape after pregnancy, and also helps prevent your baby from developing childhood obesity.
Did You Know?
Florida 1993 breastfeeding laws clarify that women have a right to breastfeed any place they have a right to be, public or private, even if they don’t do it discretely. (Florida Stature 800.03)
Do you have questions about Breastfeeding?
Sometimes, moms need help learning to breastfeed or need support. Early help can turn a challenge into a joy!
Don’t delay calling for help if:
- Breasts or nipples are sore
- Nipples are cracked
- Baby is not latching
- Milk supply seems low
- Baby is fussy
- You think your baby is not getting enough milk
- You feel like giving up
Pick up the phone and call – It is worth it to keep breastfeeding your baby as long as you can!
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Breastfeeding Warm Line:(941) 917-7413
Breastfeeding Classes: (941) 917-1700
La Leche League
Julia Griffith: (941) 918-1767, Christine Holland: (941) 374-3870, Debbie Eldridge: (941) 922-2449, Laura Kati Serbin: (941) 343-2620, Jessica Adkins: (941) 807-6040, Tanya Taylor: (941) 234-9050 Tiffany Dawson (941) 626-0653 (North Port), Sarah Emprimo-Schwartz (941) 587-9402 (Englewood/North Port) Monthly meetings are held in Sarasota, North Port, and Bradenton. Call for more information.
Healthy Start Program
Free Services for Breastfeeding Problems: (941) 861-2905
Sarasota County Health Department
WIC and Nutrition Breastfeeding Coordinators: Aubrey Will (Sarasota) - (941) 861-2960
VENICE: Susan Kling & June Vargas - (941) 861-3336
Toll-Free Phone Help
Office of Women’s Health BF Help Line
(M-F 9 am-6 pm EST) 1-800-994-9662
African-American Breastfeeding Alliance
(M-F 9 am-5 pm EST) 1-877-532-8535
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