Breastfeeding is best for babies, mothers, and families. It is as simple as that. But, the success of breastfeeding may be dependent on a great network of support for the mother and child. Families play a crucial role in providing this support and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is here to help. Read on for information about AAP policies and publications, why breastfeeding is best, where to find support, and more.

AAP Policy Statement - Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk - Included in this policy statement are the advantages of breastfeeding for the infant, mother and society.

Breastfeeding and Travel* - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers tips for breastfeeding mothers who plan to travel.

"Breastfeeding Success: You Can Do It!"* - This site, from the California WIC Association is designed to encourage women of color to choose and stay with breastfeeding.

La Leche League Breastfeeding Help* - Visit the La Leche League Web site to find a leader or group in your area.

Find a Lactation Consultant - Visit the International Lactation Consultant Association*, or access this lactation consultant directory* (choose a lactation consultant that is board certified).

Common Questions - La Leche League* provides answers to frequently asked questions.

Getting Started
Breastfeeding - Starting*
Breastfeeding - Hints to Help You Get Off to a Good Start*
Establishing Your Milk Supply: Starting Out Right*

Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
How Can I Tell if My Newborn Baby is Getting Enough Milk?*
Is My Baby Getting Enough*

Sore Nipples
ProMOM*
Breastfeeding Basics*

Returning to Work While Breastfeeding - Read this article published by the American Academy of Family Physicians for an understanding of breastfeeding while working.

Returning to Work or School * - Breastfeeding Basics provides some tips about how to return to work or school and continue breastfeeding!

New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding - This new resource from the AAP provides everything new mothers need to know, from preparing for the first feeding to adjusting to home, family, and work life as a nursing mother. Also available in Spanish.

Breastfeeding Your Baby: Answers to Common Questions - This comprehensive guide provides clear, practical information on the benefits and methods of breastfeeding. Topics covered include: the benefits for mother and child; preparing for the first feeding; important facts about medications, illnesses, and other special situations; and weaning the baby from the breast.

New Baby Packet - These valuable resources, created especially for parents, cover child development, child care, nutrition, health and safety, illness, parental guidance, and more, all written in straightforward layman's language for easy understanding.

Your Baby's First Year - 2nd Edition - Covering everything from preparing for childbirth to baby's first steps, this easy-to-use format addresses parents' medical worries, safety concerns, well-baby questions, breastfeeding, and so much more.

An Easy Guide to Breastfeeding* - Available from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health in English, Spanish, Chinese and for African Americans and American Indian and Alaska Natives.

Benefits of Breastfeeding* - To understand the benefits of breastfeeding read this issue paper from the United States Breastfeeding Committee.

MyPyramid for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - The United States Department of Agriculture has recently released a new tool for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Visit the site to see what nutrition is necessary during this special time.

TSA Lifts Ban on Breast Milk During Air Travel*

National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign: Babies Were Born To Be Breastfed!*

Breastfeeding - Best for Baby, Best for Mom* - from the US Department of Health and Human Services

Human Milk Banking Association of North America*

* External Resources are not a part of the AAP.ORG Web site. AAP is not responsible for the content of sites that are external to the AAP. Linking to a Web site does not constitute an endorsement by AAP of the sponsors of the site or the information presented on the site.