All new mothers have questions about the care of their babies.

Easy Access to Help Expert assistance and caring support for our participants is only a phone call away. During normal business hours, most evenings, and some weekend hours, breastfeeding peer counselors with advanced training respond to mothers’ questions and concerns. No question is too small, and many are complex. Counselors handle a broad range of issues.

Answering Questions What is clearly a cultural breastfeeding myth to one person may be a profoundly important fact to another. Helpline counselors address commonly-held cultural misconceptions. Do I need to drink milk to produce milk? If I eat beans and vegetables, will my baby become gassy? If my back is uncovered, will I lose my milk? Counselors respond sensitively, providing evidence-based information.

Responding to Concerns Helpline counselors also provide guidance on how to handle common problems that, if not addressed, can lead to early and unnecessary weaning. Frequently mentioned concerns include doubts about producing enough milk for the baby, fullness and engorgement, and sore nipples.

Providing Resources When appropriate, Helpline counselors provide mothers with resources so they can advocate for themselves. Mothers returning to work, for example, may ask for information about the breastfeeding accommodation law and guidance on how to discuss their needs with their employer.

Providing Referrals Helpline counselors refer women to a range of resources. When face-to-face assistance and support would be most beneficial, the Helpline counselor connects the mother with the breastfeeding peer counselor and the breastfeeding support group at her local WIC office. On those rare but critical occasions when medical red flags become evident during the assessment, the Helpline counselor refers the mother back to her physician or, at times, the emergency room.

Direct Access Our Breastfeeding Helpline can be reached at (323) 905-1248.

Hours Our Breastfeeding Helpline is available:
• Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

After Hours When our Breastfeeding Helpline counselors are not available, mothers can leave a message on our helpline in English or Spanish.