Breastfeeding information & Resources in Collier County
Local Resources for Breastfeeding, Childbirth and More!
FIND DOWNLOADABLE & PRINTABLE RESOURCES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE!
Having trouble getting your baby to latch? Wondering if your baby is getting enough breast milk?
These are just a couple of the questions the WIC breastfeeding team can help you with. They are just a phone call or visit away and will help you whenever you have a problem or concern. WIC offers classes to expectant mothers to learn more about breastfeeding, its benefits, and common challenges. Classes are free and open to the public. Our Lactation Consultant and Peer Counselors are here to help you and your baby have a successful breastfeeding experience.
Just call or visit us at one of our locations:
Naples: (239) 252-8208; 3339 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
Immokalee: (239) 252-7310; 419 North 1st Street, Immokalee, FL 34142
Breastfeeding Support Line-after hours (239) 252-5531.
Naples - Tuesdays at 11:30am (English and Creole), Thurdays at 11:30am (Spanish)
Immokalee - Tuesdays at 12:00pm (English and Creole), Thursday at 12:00pm (Spanish)
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Naples WIC office: Wednesday 11:30 a.m.
Immokalee WIC office: Monday 3:30pm
The Family Birth Center of Naples – offers classes in breastfeeding, natural childbirth, infant massage and more.
Info@FBCnaples.com
(239) 594-0400
2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2
Naples, FL 34110
La Leche League – Pregnant or breastfeeding women and their babies are welcome. Learn about breastfeeding from mothers who are breastfeeding. Meetings are held every 2nd Friday of the month from 10 am – Noon at 2740 Bayshore Dr, Unit 5, Naples 34112. www.LaLecheLeague.org
Contact:
Ashlee: 865-696-6353 or AshleeLaLeche@gmail.com
Laurie: 239-404-4933 or laurieLLL@aol.com
Mariela: 239-384-0492 or MarielaLLL@aol.com
Community Pregnancy Clinic – offers a free pregnancy test and/or ultrasound, assistance with car seats, diapers, cribs, etc. Counseling and referral services also available. 940 5th Avenue North, Naples 34102 Contact: (239) 262-6381
North Collier Hospital (NCH)/The Birth Place – offers breastfeeding and childbirth classes as well as breastfeeding support. Contact the education office for fees and schedules or visit their website.
** Scholarship money is available for those who need financial assistance.
Contact: Information: (239) 552-7724
Lactation Center: (239) 552-7546
www.nchmd.org
211 – Collier 211 is a free 24-hour non-emergency human services helpline available to those in need in Collier County. The 211 service is for referral to health and social services that provide food, housing, medical, child care services and more!
Dial 211 or (239) 263-4211
http://www.unitedwayofcolliercounty.org/2-1-1
Recommended Reading
“The Breastfeeding Book,” “The Birth Book,” and “The Pregnancy Book,” all by William Sears, MD
“Why Should I Nurse My Baby?” by Pamela K. Wiggins, & Joanna Wiggins Garofalo
“The Essential Guide to Breastfeeding” by Marianne Neifert, MD.
“The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” or “Mothering Your Nursing Toddler” La Leche League Intl.
8) Other Resources
Florida Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc. www.flbreastfeeding.org
License to Breastfeed in Public. It’s the Law in FLORIDA!
“Be it. Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The breastfeeding of a baby is an important and basic act of nurture which must be encouraged in the interest of maternal and child health and family values.
A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether or not the nipple of the mother’s breast is covered during or incidental to be breastfeeding.
House bill no. HB 231 Fl.ALS 4; 1993 Fla. Laws ch 4; 1993 Fla. HB 231 Fla. Stat. § 383.015, § 800.02 – 00.04, § 847.001 (later: § 827.071)”
**Remember! Choose a pediatrician that is knowledgeable and encourages exclusive breastfeeding. When interviewing pediatricians, ask if they have a nurse who can help you with breastfeeding.
We encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first 4 – 6 months of life. Well defined associations between decreased obesity rates and exclusive breastfeeding.
Breastfeed Your Baby For Mom’s Best Health
Breastfeeding your baby is linked to many health benefits for YOU!
Immediate Benefits
• Less bleeding at delivery
• Reduced risk of Baby Blues or postpartum depression after delivery
• An earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight
• New mothers may experience an increase in self confidence and feel closer to their baby
• Delays the return of menstruation (However,breastfeeding alone should not be thought of as a form of birth control. Please discuss this with your healthcare provider.)
• Cost benefit – savings of approximately $1200.00 during the first year
Long-term Benefits
• Less time missed from work due to infant illness
• Lower blood pressure & decreased stress
• Reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
• Reduced risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer
• Reduced risk of osteoporosis after menopause.
Breastfeed Your Baby For Baby’s Best Health
For the best results breastfeed exclusively! Breastfed babies have a reduced risk for many illnesses comparedto formula fed babies
Immediate Benefits
• Reduced SIDS risk
• Fewer infections and GI problems for preterm infants
• Fewer head colds, pneumonias, ear infections, and urinary tract Infections
• Less diarrhea & diaper rashes
• Human milk is easier to digest and better for the kidneys.
Long-term Benefits
• Better lung function, brain and eye development
• May reduce risk for eczema and asthma
• Reduced risk for Type I and II Diabetes and Celiac disease
• Reduced risk of obesity for all ages
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Reduced risk of childhood cancer
• Reduced risk of developing breast cancer
Breastfeeding Myths
- Breastfeeding is painful. Not true! Your nipples may feel tender at first but you should not feel pain. If you do feel pain, seek help from a lactation consultant.
- It’s not possible to breastfeed twins. Not true! Your body can produce enough breastmilk for multiples, and it’s actually easier to breastfeed than to bottle feed. Your breastmilk is “ready to feed” and it’s already at the perfect temperature. And you’ll save time by not having to prepare formula and clean bottles.
- Breastfeeding causes breasts to sag. Not true! Change in breast appearance may be due to pregnancy, but not to breastfeeding. Also remember that breastfeeding is protective, reducing the risk of breast cancer.
- Infant formulas are very similar to breastmilk. Not true! Breastmilk has many components such as antibodies, enzymes, and hormones that formula cannot provide.
- Most women are not able to produce enough breastmilk. Not true! Most women produce more than enough breastmilk for their baby. If you feel that your breastmilk supply is low, seek help from a lactation consultant. There are many strategies to increase breastmilk supply.
