Lactation Support

While the Washington State Department of Health maintains our commitment to using gender-inclusive language, the following resource links and programs may use gendered terms.

General lactation support pages for a variety of needs:

• Breastfeeding and special situations
• Infant Allergies and Food Sensitivities
• LGBTQAI+ lactation
• Lactation resources for transgender and non-binary people
• Breastfeeding with special health care needs
• Breastfeeding infants with special health care needs
• Breastfeeding and plus size parents
• Breastfeeding and trauma
• Breastfeeding after breast cancer
• For Military Families:
  • Military Breastfeeding Resources
  • Army Public Health Center
  • Breast Pumps and Supplies

• For taking care of you:
  • Managing stress with a newborn
  • Managing stress around breastfeeding
  • Breast and cancer screening
  • Breastfeeding for cancer prevention
  • Nutrition while breastfeeding

There are many types of lactation support.

You're not alone! You got this.

One kind of lactation support is parent-to-parent support, also called peer counselors. This type of support can be found through La Leche League and in many WIC offices. There are also credentialed health care professionals who specialize in lactation support.

Peer-to-Peer and Community Support

Local Breastfeeding Coalitions

Breastfeeding coalitions consist of parents, nurses, IBCLCs, advocates, WIC staff, public health staff, and more! They are a wealth of resources and can answer many of your questions related to nursing and self-advocacy.

A few coalitions do not have websites. Download this PDF to find a detailed list of contact information and meeting times for all coalitions.

La Leche League of Washington

La Leche League of Washington can help you connect with other breastfeeding moms in Washington. By connecting with a La Leche League leader, you can get current and evidence-based information on breast/chestfeeding. By attending La Leche League meetings, you will meet other breastfeeding moms in your area who can offer advice and support to continue breastfeeding.

WIC

If you're already enrolled in WIC, contact your local WIC clinic to ask how you can get lactation support. If you're not enrolled in WIC, find out if you're eligible to apply and would like to meet with one of WIC's breastfeeding support staff or be enrolled in the Peer Counseling Program, visit your local WIC clinic. They can tell you if these services are available near you.

The lactation support staff are WIC staff, peer counselors, and Designated Breastfeeding experts.

• All WIC staff are trained to give the support you and your baby need. WIC staff will speak with you about your lactation goals. They can help you figure out how to make breastfeeding work for you. They'll explain WIC's lactation support and assign you a food package that meets your supplemental nutritional needs.
• WIC peer counselors are mothers in the community with personal breastfeeding experience who are trained to give information and support to new parents. WIC Peer Counselors are available by phone, speak a variety of languages and will mentor, coach, and support you.
• Designated Breastfeeding Experts helps with complex lactation challenge. This is someone with special experience and training who can help you with latching, milk supply issues, and more.

Higher Level Support

Are you worried about getting a good latch or dealing with sore breasts? There are numerous types of providers that can help!

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

An IBCLC is a health care professional specializing in lactation support. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® Inc. IBCLCs can work in hospitals, medical offices, health clinics, and private practice. Find an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in your community.

Call the National Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-800-994-9662

Helpline staff are trained peer counselors and can help you with common breastfeeding concerns. They answer questions about breastfeeding, returning to work or school, storing breastmilk, and more. Help is available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Standard Time, in English and Spanish.

Please note: the helpline does not answer medical questions or diagnose medical problems.

Virtual Lactation Consultants

Virtual lactation support consultations without a referral. A virtual breastfeeding support consultation is a convenient and cost-effective for nursing mothers to receive the treatment, support, and encouragement they need even after they go home. Call 253-403-1681 to schedule your virtual lactation support appointment. Learn more about virtual lactation consultants

Please note: If you 'deliver at MultiCare, call toll-free at 844-388-2356 to speak to a team member to set up an account to receive service delivery or send them an email message.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Free confidential help is available 24/7. Call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit https://www.thehotline.org/ to get help, identify abuse, make a plan, and support others.

Find more resources and services for domestic violence and sexual assault.

Helpful toll-free numbers and additional resources

• ParentHelp123: 1-800-322-2588
• Washington 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 to get connected to local human service programs
• Consumer Assistance: 1-800-525-0127 (statewide only)
• Infant Feeding during Emergencies: Le Leche League resources
• Washington State HIV/AIDS Message Line: 1-800-272-AIDS (2437)