Breastfeeding Promotion

Education, encouragement and support are offered to pregnant and post-partum women by a full time lactation consultant.

Our breastfeeding team consists of a full time Certified Lactation Consultant and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who are here to promote, educate, and encourage prenatal and post-partum women. Our peer counselors are available, via phone or text, to answer any questions a prenatal or new mom may have. Breastfeeding support is crucial, especially to new mothers, which is why we strive to give our clients one-on-one support helping educate mothers with:

Why Breast Is Best
The Role of the Father/Family Members
Latch Positioning
Waking a Sleepy Baby while Nursing
Hand Expression Technique
Milk Supply Concerns
Breast Milk Storage

This support is open to every breastfeeding mother, regardless of income or social status.

Our Breastfeeding Team’s goal is to help empower the mothers that they serve by providing education and support so that each mother may feel confident in the decisions they make for themselves and their babies.

While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred. Please give us a call before you come either way to ensure quality of service:

Murfreesboro Clinic: 615-898-7880
Smyrna Clinic: 615-355-6175

Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding
Our peer counselors encounter a number of questions from new and experienced mothers. Here are a few questions and answers:

Is breastfeeding painful?
Breastfeeding should not hurt. If you have never nursed before, it may feel strange but should not hurt. If it does, this is a good indicator that your baby is not latched properly. If this happens, contact your local Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to schedule a latch consultation.
Am I making enough milk?
You can gauge if your body is making enough milk by your baby’s dirty diapers. If your baby is getting enough milk, they should have 3 or more stools a day.
How long does it take for your milk to come in?
It typically takes 3 to 5 days for your milk to come in. If you deliver your baby via cesarean section, it may take a little longer for your milk to come in. While nursing, the more your baby latches on, the more you are telling your brain that your body needs to make milk. Don’t get discouraged!
Is milk leakage during pregnancy normal?
It is very common for some women’s breast to leak during pregnancy. This is no reason to be alarmed and there is no need to begin pumping. The best thing for mom to do is to simply insert breast pads into her bra.
How can I get a pump?
Your insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump; this may either be a rental or a new one you will keep. Contact your insurance provider to find out more about how you can obtain a breast pump. For WIC eligible women, pumps may be available through your local health department. Contact a breastfeeding peer counselor to see if you qualify.

WIC and Breastfeeding
We offer our WIC Eligible mothers free classes which cover the following topics:

The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Myths
Changes to the Body During Pregnancy
Hunger Cues
Keeping a Good Milk Supply when Introducing New Food

If you are not currently in the WIC program, find out more information about WIC here.

It’s Your Right to Breastfeed!
Laws: Tennessee has laws in place to support and protect breastfeeding families: TCA 68-58-101: A mother may breastfeed in any public or private place she is authorized to be. TCA 68-58-102: Breastfeeding shall not be considered public indecency or nudity, obscene, or sexual conduct. TCA -68-58-103: Local governments shall not prohibit breastfeeding in public by local ordinance. TCA 50-1-305: Employers must accommodate breastfeeding mothers at work.

Helpful Resources

The breastfeeding hotline is always open 24/7 if you would like to call about more information about breastfeeding: 855-4BFMOMS (855-423-6667)
For more information about what exactly the hotline can do for you, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/bf/breastfeeding-hotline.html

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