We’ll start by saying this: no matter what feeding approach you choose for your child, you are doing the right thing. We believe that “fed is best, whether bottle or breast” when it comes to feeding your baby. YOU are the expert on what your baby needs and how best to give it to them and we celebrate all the ways that babies can be cared for, loved and fed. So, whether you decide to breastfeed, bottle feed, or a bit of both, you have the support you need for us here at the Collaboration. Please contact us if you would like to learn about parent supports available to you here in Oak Park and River Forest.
If you are a mama or caregiver who is breastfeeding, (or is preparing to!) we are here to cheer you on and celebrate that, too! It can be a lot of work, and sometimes even stressful, and confusing. Coordinating pumping and storing milk with commutes to work and day care supplies can be overwhelming. But if you want to do it, you can! Breastfeeding is a powerful way to connect, nurture, and bond with your baby. To help you on your journey, please see a few resources below. To see more, please visit the “Parent Resources” page of our website and click on “New and Expecting Parents”.
- This page about Breastfeeding on the PCC Community Wellness Center website has a good overview of what to expect as well as links to helpful things like, what a good latch looks like, pumping, and breastfeeding affinity groups.
- La Leche League’s Breastfeeding info page is broken out into helpful topics such as “Working While Breastfeeding” and “Common Questions.” La Leche League USA provides parent-to-parent support across the United States for breastfeeding in all forms.
- La Leche League of Oak Park/River Forest. You can connect with the Oak Park and River Forest local chapter of La Leche League through their Facebook Page. Check out or attend an upcoming event that they are hosting!
Did you know that the Collaboration provides Baby Bundles to new and expecting parents? Baby Bundles are packs of supplies and resources for you and your baby. They include diapers, wipes, onesies, and a variety of resources about postpartum mental health and parent support available to you. Sign up to receive yours!