For the approximately 67,000 new parents in Arizona who breastfeed their babies, each journey is unique. Many of us think breastfeeding should be easy, and to some people it is, but to others it is a challenging time filled with questions and doubts. With that in mind, ADHS is marking the 31st annual World Breastfeeding Week by reminding new families, and their support teams, that board-certified lactation consultants are available 24 hours a day through the ADHS Breastfeeding Hotline.
Breastfeeding parents and the community that supports them can call 800.833.4642 with any breastfeeding or pregnancy-related questions with assistance available in English and Spanish. The support community can include their partners, child care facilities, pediatricians, OBGYNs, and hospitals. Stop scouring the internet in the middle of the night, and talk through your questions with a supportive and knowledgeable professional.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for two years or longer. Breast milk contains the complete nutrition for baby’s diet and has immune boosters that help protect against illness. Both the breastfeeding parent’s and the baby’s health and well-being should be considered when determining how long to breastfeed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 85% of Arizona’s breastfeeding moms start off breastfeeding, about 60% continue through 6 months, and 1 in 3 continue to breastfeed for the child’s first year.
The Arizona Breastfeeding Hotline is ready to help with questions about technique, diet, milk supply, medications while breastfeeding, pumping and storing expressed breast milk, and sore nipples. Breastfeeding parents also call for support when they’re going back to work and balancing the demands of breastfeeding. Additional information and resources for employers can be found in the Making it Work Toolkit. Lactation consultants can personalize their response to help with each situation.
We’re proud Arizona is one of the only states to offer a 24-hour phone line to help families respond to breastfeeding challenges. The Arizona Breastfeeding Hotline answered more than 6,200 calls during 2021.
Don’t hesitate to call. We’re here to help.
