There’s lots of breastfeeding information on the internet. According to a study in the Journal of Human Lactation, most of the information is accurate. Here are some of the online resources that I (Adria) like:

Latch

Good latch helps babies drink milk effectively at the breast and protects mothers from nipple damage. Breastfeeding helpers tend to promote good latch in two very different ways. Some helpers show mothers a particular way of holding both the baby and the breast, moving baby into position. You can see one way of doing this at Dr. Jack Newman’s website . I like the fact that he shows his latch instructions with videos and they are short videos that are easy to watch even when you’re busy taking care of a new baby. Other breastfeeding helpers encourage baby-led latching — they have found that when babies are helped to find their own position at the breast they tend to breastfeed well. One description of this can be found at the Australian Breastfeeding Association page

Any general breastfeeding information

La Leche League International (LLLI) is a great source for just about anything you want to know about breastfeeding. As the oldest breastfeeding organization around they have decades of experience and information. They are mothers helping other mothers — carrying on the tradition that has been happening informally for all of history. They have on-line help forms, on-line forums , and information about breastfeeding research. Another general resource is Diane Weissinger. She is a LLL leader and lactation consultant that writes about breastfeeding in ways that provide new perspectives on breastfeeding problems and the social aspects of breastfeeding.

Lactation Consultants

Lactation consulting is a fairly new profession. Ruth and Adria are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. This credential requires background education (in biology, physiology, nutrition, sociology, psychology, and medical terminology), lactation-specific education, hands-on breastfeeding counselling experience, and a passing score on a board exam. You can learn more about the IBCLC credential at IBLCE. Our professional organization is the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). The ILCA website lists IBCLC’s around the world so families can find a local lactation consultant.