Breastfeeding Resources

The Breastfeeding Initiative collaborates with other Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition programs to increase statewide breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity rates. It supports breastfeeding families, provides promotional materials, supports hospital breastfeeding regulations and breastfeeding legislation, monitors breastfeeding rates and trends, and provides technical assistance and training to healthcare professionals.

Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk – American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Breastfeeding

Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding - 2011

Healthy People 2020 Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Objectives

MA DPH Guidelines for Breastfeeding Initiation and Support pdf format of MA DPH Guideline for Breastfeeding Initiation & Support doc format of MA DPH Guideline for Breastfeeding Initiation & Support

Hospital Licensure Regulations

Resources for Mothers

  • Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program
    800-WIC-1007
    Provides nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, nutritious foods, and health and social service referrals to eligible women, infants, and children. Call to be directed to a local WIC program in your area.
  • Zipmilk
    Provides contact information for breastfeeding resources based on zip code including lactation consultants, physicians, support groups, and WIC program coordinators.
  • Nursing Mothers Council
    650-327-MILK (6455)
    Provides telephone counseling, pump rentals and sales, consultations and referrals, and home visits (on a limited basis, small fee may apply).
  • La Leche League International
    800-LA-LECHE
    Answers questions and refers callers to local La Leche League leaders. Also call (877) 452-5324 or visit MA La Leche League to find a leader near you.
  • Womenshealth.gov
    Provides basic breastfeeding information, problem solving and support. Features breastfeeding helpline and Your Guide to Breastfeeding.
  • Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition
    Provides breastfeeding information, educational materials, and other resources for parents.

Resources for Providers

  • United States Breastfeeding Committee
    Provides professional training, work place support, and information on current legislation, policies and initiatives.
  • Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
    Provides scientific literature, statements and clinical protocols. International organization of physicians dedicated to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding.
  • Lactmed
    Provides a peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed.
  • Infant Risk Center
    Provides current evidence-based information on the use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition
    Provides useful materials, resources and guidance for professionals working with breastfeeding mothers and infants.
  • Mothers' Milk Bank
    Accepts human milk donations and provides pasteurized donor human milk to babies in compromised health within New England.
  • Office of Women’s Health – Breastfeeding
    Provides links to federal government breastfeeding resources including the Business Case for Breastfeeding, HHS Blueprints and Breastfeeding Policy Statements.

Contact Information

Ellen Tolan RD, LDN, IBCLC
State Breastfeeding Coordinator, Nutritionist
Massachusetts WIC Program, Nutrition Division
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 624-6128
(617) 624-6179 fax
Email: Ellen Tolan or Rachel Colchamiro

This information is provided by the Nutrition Division within the Department of Public Health.