Breastfeeding – For Mothers and Family
Family Matters
“The Golden Hour”
When your baby is born, they want to be skin-to-skin on their mother’s chest while they awaken to breastfeeding. This is called “the golden hour” of breastfeeding. Let the family know ahead of time that visiting is delayed until after the first few hours to ensure the baby adjusts to life outside and breastfeeding.
Your hospital nurse can help you manage early visitors so you and your baby can focus on breastfeeding.
For Dads & Partners
- Dads and partners are important to healthy breastfeeding. Check out the Dads, Partners, and Breastfeeding Brochure. (PDF)
- The Alameda County Public Health Fatherhood Initiative improves the quality of life for children, families, and communities by supporting responsible fatherhood and healthy relationships with parenting education and skill building. Visit them online to find support groups for fathers, Daddy Boot Camp, and more.
- Learn about breastfeeding and how you can support mom and baby.
Grandparents
Find the best ways to support mom and baby on their breastfeeding journey. Learn more on the WIC website.
Breastfeeding Videos
Do you like to learn with videos? Visit the Global Health Media Project for free excellent videos in many languages.
Do you feel stressed with day-to-day life?
Tell your doctor if you:
- Feel tired all the time
- Have trouble thinking clearly
- Feel worried, guilty or like a failure
- Have trouble sleeping or sleep too much
- Feel sad, angry or cry a lot
- Have little interest in things you used to enjoy
Learn more by visiting Blue Skies: Mental Health & Wellness Team.
Breastfeeding, Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking
Many moms ask how smoking, drugs, and alcohol affect breastfeeding. When you are breastfeeding, you should avoid or try to limit smoking, most drugs, and alcohol. To ensure the best health for you and your baby, talk with your doctor and learn more on the WIC website.