Support for Expectant and New Parents
While DOH remains committed to gender inclusive language, some of the affiliated links may contain gendered language.
Pregnancy & COVID-19: The Department provides guidance about COVID-19 vaccines while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Learn More about WIC Breast/chestfeeding Promotion and Support
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, WIC Program, in the Division of Nutrition promotes and supports breast/chestfeeding among its participants, through services provided by Breastfeeding Coordinators and Peer Counselors working in local agencies.
Find a Breastfeeding Friendly Provider Practice
Pediatric, family medicine, and obstetric practices in NY have the opportunity to pursue the Breastfeeding Friendly Practice designation through the NYS Department of Health. Designated practices are required to implement the New York State Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Friendly Practice and create a written breastfeeding office policy. Designated practices are required to create a breast/chestfeeding friendly office, encourage breast/chestfeeding, and support mothers while they breast/chestfeed.
Where can I find breastfeeding friendly practices?
Find a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Center or Home
The New York State Department of Health encourages expectant and new parents to breast/chestfeed their infants. The Department's Child and Adult Care Food Program encourages child care centers and family day care homes to support breast/chestfeeding families and recognizes these providers with Breastfeeding Friendly designation.
Where can I find breastfeeding friendly child care (by county)?
Find a Hospital that Supports Breast/chestfeeding
Hospitals play an important role in supporting a parent's choice to breast/chestfeed. The Baby Friendly® Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global effort for improving the care of expectant and new parents and newborns at facilities that provide maternity services, in accordance with The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
Compare Breast/chestfeeding Rates by Hospital
- Find information on infant feeding at hospitals in your area: Health Data NY: Maternity Hospital Information
- NYS Health Profiles: Infant Feeding
- Baby Café USA: Baby Cafés are a free resource for expectant and new parents to get support from trained staff and share experiences with other parents. Find a location near you.
- Find a Lactation Consultant: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant®(IBCLC) services may include: home visits, consultations in private office or breastfeeding clinic, rental of electric pumps and/or the sale of various products.
- La Leche League of New York: Find local support, encouragement, education and information.
- La Leche League Support for Transgender and Non-binary Parents: This website offers information and resources for everyone who wants to breastfeed or chestfeed to help them reach their goals.
- New York Statewide Breastfeeding Coalition: This coalition is an advocacy, not-for-profit statewide organization of lactation consultants, health care providers, regional breast/chestfeeding coalitions and major statewide maternal and child health organizations.
- SimpliFed: Provides virtual breastfeeding and baby feeding support from pregnancy to weaning.
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Visit WICHelpNY.org and “Chat with Wanda” to see if you qualify for breastfeeding support from WIC lactation experts and peer counselors. From lactation experts to breastfeeding groups, WIC supports your breastfeeding journey. Visit WICHelpNY.org and “Chat with Wanda” to see if WIC is right for you.
Find Community Support
At times, breast/chestfeeding can be challenging. Remember that most issues with breast/chestfeeding are temporary and can be solved. There are people who can help you. Talk with your health care provider or use the links below or on the left to find the support you need.
