World Breastfeeding Week continues through tomorrow, August 7^th and National Breastfeeding Month in the USA is all of August.  The last week of August is Black Breastfeeding Week (more on that later this month). Today, Connecting the Dots shares some great websites and resources that you may not be already aware of that are really top-notch and appropriate for sharing with the families that you work with.  We all have our favorites that we share with class members and clients but it is easy to get in a rut with the same old sources of information.  This month, take a moment to review what you share (and what you teach) to make sure that it is still current and relevant.  Consider checking out the following three websites, apps and videos and consider putting some of these new resources into your line-up.

Droplet

This new website, Droplet, is designed for birthing people.  It was founded by Jane Morton, MD, former Director of the Breastfeeding Medicine Program at Stanford University is modern and fresh, which will be very appealing to today’s families.  Beyond the smart look, is a ton of useful evidence-based information, delivered in short, easy to digest sound/video bites.  The site is very easy to navigate and addresses information for both the full-term and early-term baby.  I really like the graphics and illustrations on the website, and that there is “enough” of the right information without seeming overwhelming.  Key points including moving milk early and often. The videos featured on the site include diverse families so everyone can see themselves represented.  I am definitely adding this to my current list of breast/chestfeeding resources for my classes.  Hat tip to Teri Shilling for bringing this website to my attention.

Global Health Media

Global Health Media Project and its remarkable collection of breast/chestfeeding videos is an amazing collection of videos that fills so many needs.  The videos are available in over 40 languages and their resources are used in nearly every single country around the world. They have videos for both parents and professionals.  Every single video (there are many!) is simple to follow, accurate and includes a large, diverse collection of families from all around the world.  At the end of each video for parents, there is a simple review highlighting the key points to increase the takeaway for families.  I love to use their videos in class, especially Breastfeeding in the First Hours, Attaching Your Baby at the Breast and Positions for Breastfeeding.  I also like their videos on How to Express Breastmilk and Storing Breastmilk Safely.  The women in these videos are beautiful and represent many world-wide cultures.  I really appreciate the diversity of languages, if I have families in my classes who would prefer to review these videos in their native language, it is very easy for them to do so.

Infant Risk Center

The Infant Risk Center website is a robust resource for families and professionals alike.  What I really appreciate from this organization is the parent app that is available for mobile devices.  “MommyMeds for Mothers” (not very inclusive name) is an app for people who are feeding their baby human milk.  Parents can look up both over the counter and prescription medications to determine if they are safe to use while nursing.  Unfortunately, this app is not free but costs a nominal $3.99 USD.  A user can either search by name or scan the barcode of a medication in order to receive up to date information on safety during breast/chestfeeding.  Many clinicians are not well-versed on the impact of medications on nursing and inadvertently provide inaccurate or outdated advice.  This resource helps support parents who want to do the best they can both for themselves and their babies. I do share it with the families in my classes, with the caveat of the cost. Educators can also share a free alternative, not geared necessarily for parents, Medications & Mothers’ Milk that is a bit more clinical but serves the same purpose.

Update Your Resources Now

World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month is a great time to evaluate your current resources and information on this topic.  Supporting families and helping them get off to a great breast/chestfeeding start is a critical part of childbirth education.  Consider adding these important resources to your classes.  Also, you are invited to share your favorite resources in the comments below so we can all learn from each other.

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