Breastfeeding Support

We’re Here to Support Your Breastfeeding Efforts

It has been said that the "bond that inevitably forms between a mother and her child while feeding is an incredible one, but it's one that happens in many forms, not only for breastfeeding moms."

The Florida Department of Health supports parents who have questions about breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Our infant feeding line is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. Call (386) 316-1499 (English), or (386) 871-4436 (Spanish) to speak to a counselor now. If you have questions, we have answers. Classes and resources are also available.

Breastfeeding Tips

• Breast milk only for the first six months. 
  • No need to supplement with additional food. 
  • Physicians encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with the continuation of breastfeeding along with solid foods at least one year. 
  • Thousands of new mothers continue to breastfeed their babies while they are working or going to school. Breastfeeding keeps you close to your baby, even when you must be apart. Pumping moms are breastfeeding moms too.
• Learn baby's hunger cues.
  • Watch for these signs that your baby is hungry, and then feed baby right away: 
    • Fists moving to mouth.
    • Head turning to look for the breast.
    • Becoming more alert and active.
    • Sucking on hands or lip smacking.
    • Opening and closing mouth.
• Baby should eat 8-12 time in 24 hours.
  • According to the US National Breastfeeding Association, most newborns eat eight to 12 times, in a 24-hour period; however, for many months, they consume half an ounce each time, and after 4 to 8 days, they usually consume one to two ounces each time.
  • Learn more here.
• Get comfortable while nursing.
  • Learn more about positioning baby at breast.
  • Find a comfortable position where you feel well supported: sitting, lying back or lying down. Avoid using pillows and cushions under your baby—use them just for your own comfort to support your head, shoulders, body, arms and legs. Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby.
• Stay hydrated!
  • Keep your water with you.
  • Experts recommend about 128 ounces per day.
• Hold baby skin to skin while awake.
  • Keep your baby close.
  • Benefits can be lifelong.
  • Learn more here.

Breastfeeding Resources

Breastfeeding Support

Florida Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc.

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead contact these offices by phone or in writing.