Essential Lactation

It can be hard to sift through all the online information available to find accurate, trustworthy sources for the many questions parents have.  Here are some recommendations for websites and books that address common areas of concern and questions.  Do you have a really good resource that is not listed here?  Please feel free to share it by email.

Breastfeeding in the First Weeks and Months

Stanford University- has wonderful videos on latch, hand expression and pumping

La Leche League- A comprehensive website with current evidenced-based information.

Jack Newman MD- A Canadian physician with good videos and articles for basic breastfeeding questions

Colostrum Harvesting prenatally video

Postpartum Support and Mental Health

Baby Bistro with Essential Lactation and The Latchmaker- a drop-in infant feeding support group facilitated by IBCLCs

Whatcom Family Village- a well-being studio for families and children, including pre/postpartum support, groups, and movement classes

Whatcom County Breastfeeding Resources Guide- a consolidated list of resources here in Whatcom County

La Leche League / La Leche League of Bellingham

Perinatal Support Washington- Referral services, peer support, online therapy

CALMA-Spanish speaking support group in Lynden / The Village Circle - Postpartum group peer support

The Dad’s Space - Group peer support for self-identifying fathers

SEAS Whatcom - Local resource navigation program for families

Postpartum Support International - Postpartum support, helpline, provider directory, peer support, & more

Recommended Videos

Hand expression and breast massage - Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio

Hands-on Pumping - Dr. Jane Morton, Stanford University

Latching your baby on more comfortably - Great video showing deep latch technique

Breast Gymnastics - Maya Bolman

Recommended Reading

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Teresa Pitman

Breastfeeding Without Birthing: A Breastfeeding Guide for Mothers through Adoption, Surrogacy, and Other Special Circumstances - Alyssa Schnell

Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production, Second Edition - Lisa Marasco, Diana West

Parenting Resources

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Sign-up - Free, high-quality, age-appropriate books mailed children from birth until age five

How Brains are Built - Check out how the infant brain develops and the importance of responsive parenting

BTC Community Parenting Classes - A variety of classes ranging from childbirth through parenting pre-schoolers and everything in between

Bellingham Library Storytime and Children’s Programs - free programs for you and your littles