Breastfeeding Resources

Mass General is part of the international Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to support all new mothers in meeting their breastfeeding goals. We provide support, education and resources to increase rates of breastfeeding.

    Breastfeeding Classes

    Breastfeeding classes cover the function and structure of the breast, latching and positioning, nutrition, feeding patterns, growth spurts and recommendations on pumping and storage of breast milk.

    Breastfeeding Quick Tips

    Advice for new mothers to help initiate breastfeeding with your baby.

    Breastfeeding Guide (PDF)

    Breastfeeding information for new mothers to help you get off to a good start.

    New Parent Support Groups

    Weekly groups for pregnant women, new mothers and their families provide a friendly and supportive environment to discuss questions regarding breastfeeding, newborn care and adjusting to parenthood.

    Virtual Breastfeeding Support Group

    Happening virtually on Thursdays at 2 pm, this group provides support and guidance for breastfeeding, parenting and healing after childbirth.

    Additional Resources

    Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t always come naturally. The resources on this list can provide helpful hints for feeding your baby. This list does not indicate an endorsement by Mass General of any products or services offered by the companies included.

    New Family Guide (PDF)

    Information about for new parents to help you care for yourself and your newborn.

    Find a Lactation Consultant

    Search tool for finding local lactation consultants from the International Lactation Consultant Association.

    ZipMilk.org

    Access localized information about lactation consultants, support groups and mother-to-mother breastfeeding educators.

    Formula Preparation Guidelines

    Information for parents about how to formula feed your new baby.

    KellyMom

    Articles about parenting and breastfeeding, including common breastfeeding challenges.

    Pacifiers—To Use or Not to Use

    Learn how and when to use a pacifier with your new baby.

    Infant Feeding at Mass General

    Meet members of the obstetrics team at Mass General and learn how we help you get infant feeding off to the best start possible.

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    Mass General Is a Baby-Friendly Hospital

    Massachusetts General Hospital became certified as a Baby-Friendly Hospital on November 25, 2015. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a program of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), dedicated to ensuring that all birthing hospitals and centers support new mothers as they begin to breastfeed.

    At Mass General, we have implemented several programs as part of the initiative, including rooming-in, using pacifiers only for medical reasons and practicing skin-to-skin mother-baby bonding. These practices have shown to increase rates of breastfeeding.

    Learn about Mass General’s efforts to help all mothers meet their breastfeeding goals from Amelia Henning, CNM, co-chair of the Mass General Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

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    Support for Our Patients

    At the Mass General OB/GYN Department, each patient is an important member of her own care team. To support you, we offer education resources such as childbirth classes, pregnancy-related information and access to women's health resources.

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