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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Volusia/Flagler Breastfeeding Coalition

Florida Department of Health in Volusia County

Mother holding her baby

The mission of the Volusia and Flagler County Breastfeeding Coalition is to provide organizations serving families with evidence-based resources and support to promote exclusive breastfeeding from preconception through postpartum. Our vision is for the residents of our counties is to view breastfeeding as normal and recognize breastfeeding as a vital component to the health of moms and babies.

Breastfeeding Tips for New Mothers

Holding baby, skin to skin, immediately after birth is good for you and your baby no matter how you chose to feed your baby.

  • When baby is placed skin to skin, your baby instinctively feels safe and protected.

  • Skin to skin decreases both your stress and baby’s stress after birth.

  • Benefits of being placed skin to skin, can be lifelong.

Learn baby's hunger cues.

Do not wait for your baby to cry before you feed. Watch for these signs that your baby is hungry, and then feed baby.

  • 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

  • Learn more here

Breast milk only for the first 6 months.

  • No need to supplement with additional food, water or formula.  

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with the continuation of breastfeeding along with solid foods for two years or longer.

  • 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. Federal laws protect mothers right to pump at work. Laws also stipulate moms should be given a private space that includes a chair and a flat surface for the breast pump. 

  • Learn more.

Baby should eat 8-12 time in 24 hours.

  • According to the CDC, 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 after 10 days of age.

  • 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.

  • Call for help when you need it.

  • Learn more here

Stay hydrated!

  • Keep your water with you.

  • Experts recommend about 128 ounces per day.

  • Learn more here.

Additional Breastfeeding Resources