Breastfeeding Support & Resources
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 your 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 fewer earaches, allergies, and diarrhea. Breastmilk can also help prevent your baby from developing childhood obesity.
Breastfeeding is great for mom, too! It burns around 500 calories a day which can help get you back in shape after pregnancy. It also provides some protection from certain types of cancers.
Breastfeeding is Protected by Law!
Florida 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 Statute 383.015, 1993)
Most employers are required to follow a Federal Law which protects your right to pump breastmilk at work called the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Act (Section 2, FLSA, 2010). For more information on your rights as an employee take a look at this Fact Sheet published by the US Department of Labor.
Do you have questions about Breastfeeding?
Get help right away 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
Help is available!
Healthy Start Program
Free services for breastfeeding problems, including home visits: CIR/Connect Program Coordinator (941) 373-7070 x 303
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Breastfeeding Warm Line: (941) 917-7413
Breastfeeding Classes: (941) 917-1700
Weekly Latch Clinics
Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-3:30 pm,
Waldemere Medical Plaza, 2nd Floor, Papaya Room
Lactation Loop at Forty Carrots - New schedule - Wednesdays 1:30-3:00 pm drop in anytime
Contact: Sonia Azar (941) 365-7716
WIC and Nutrition Services Breastfeeding Support - Florida Department of Health
La Leche League
Virtual monthly meetings
- Sarasota: Jocelyn (941) 416-3124,
Kelly (731) 614-7387, Jules (773) 704-1438, Heather (941) 929-3637 - South Sarasota: Julia (941) 773-8934
- Bradenton: Tanya (941) 705-8538
Save My Life Program
Culturally relevant, education and breastfeeding support available in the Newtown and surrounding areas at no charge. Contact (941) 373-7070 x 300
Contact your Healthcare Provider
Many OBGYNs, Midwives and Pediatricians in our area also have lactation support specialists in their office. Contact yours today!
