The Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline has now been serving Tennessee families for two years! The Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline, 1-855-4BF-MOMS (1-855-423-6667), was created in 2013 as a resource to assist nursing mothers and families. This toll-free number is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to connect breastfeeding mothers, caregivers, family members and others seeking information on breastfeeding with trained lactation consultants and counselors.
"We are delighted by the feedback our Breastfeeding Hotline continues to get from happy moms and families who find it so empowering, helping them breastfeed any time day or night," said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. "It is a simple but powerful idea at a time when extended families are often far apart and many new mothers don't have an experienced person they can call on to help them provide this optimal key start, breastfeeding, for the vast majority of moms and babies."
Since the Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline was created more than 7,000 mothers and family members have called it. The hotline averages around 400 calls per month from moms, family members and healthcare providers.
"I cannot express how helpful the Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline has been for me," said client Megan Kurita-Deere. "Breastfeeding my child was very important to me. While I was at the hospital, the nurses were very helpful in teaching about breastfeeding, but when I got home, it was up to me. That's why the Breastfeeding Hotline is so valuable. They answered any questions I had day or night."
The Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline is staffed by international board-certified lactation consultants and certified lactation counselors who can provide information to address common questions and concerns about breastfeeding, including:
- Is baby getting enough milk?
- Baby refuses to nurse
- Coping with breast or nipple pain
- Using breast pumps
- Working while breastfeeding
- Taking medication while breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding in public
- Tennessee breastfeeding laws
- Referral for breastfeeding support groups
"When people have questions about breastfeeding, that may not happen within the standard 8 to 5 clinic day," said TDH Family Health and Wellness Director Michael D. Warren, MD, MPH. "It can be very challenging when you have a new baby and you may not know what to do in certain situations. Having a resource like the Breastfeeding Hotline that is always available and that can provide timely information is very important."
Mothers and family members can call during overnight feedings or at any time and get answers and support from experts trained in breastfeeding counseling. Sometimes all that's needed to boost a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed is that voice of encouragement, or talking with someone who can understand and identify with her experience.
Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding at http://breastfeeding.tn.gov/.
