Breastfeeding Resources Guide: Knoxville, TN

It's here! World Breastfeeding Week 2019. This annual celebration is held August 1-7 of every year to help encourage breastfeeding and promote better health in moms and babies around the world. It's been proven time and time again that connecting families with the right resources and support is a critical part in them meeting their breastfeeding goals. This resource guide is designed to help families in Knoxville and East Tennessee do just that!

RESOURCE GUIDE

Get A Breast Pump Through Insurance

Almost all insurance companies cover the full cost or partial cost of a breast pump. There are several ways to go about getting your insurance to cover this expense.

1. Call Your Insurance Company & Find Out Your Unique Coverage and Requirements

2. Contact A Medical Supply Company Who Carries Breast Pump Such As: Aeroflow Breast Pumps or Edgepark Medical Supplies

Take A Great Breastfeeding Class

Knowledge is power! It's highly recommended that expecting families take a breastfeeding class together in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. Find a class taught by an independent IBCLC in your area. Not only does this set the stones for education, but it establishes trust and a relationship with an IBCLC before your little one arrives so you know just how to call if an issue arises. Here are some great classes to consider in East Tennessee:

1. The Breastfeeding Consultant - Candy Scarbrough IBCLC

2. Bloom Into Parenting - Lisa Paul IBCLC

3. Genesis Lactation - Ashley Georgakopoulos IBCLC

4. Calani Lactation Services - Kristin Williams IBCLC

Find A Breastfeeding Support Group

Our community is wonderfully supplied with a variety of breastfeeding support groups. This free resource is worth its weight in (liquid) gold! You can even go to a few meetings before your baby arrives! Some local groups to check into:

1. La Leche League of Knoxville

2. Genesis Lactation Free Monthly Group Meeting

3. The Breastaurant Local Online Group

Get A Great Book

Even if you don't read it cover to cover before baby arrives, a breastfeeding book loaded with up-to-date information can be helpful to thumb through - even if that doesn't happen until there's a bump in the road. Flipping through the index and finding topics can answer those quick questions and give some useful insight. And when you're done, pass it down to an expecting friend! Here's a list of my favorites:

1. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman

2. The Ultimate Book of Breastfeeding Answers: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding by Jack Newman M.D. & Teresa Pitman

3. The Complete Book of Breastfeeding by Laura Marks M.D. and Sally Wendkos Olds

Know Your Rights

If you're planning on returning to work, it's a good idea to know your rights as a breastfeeding mother in the state of Tennessee. TCA 50-1-305 states that employers must provide unpaid breaks for mothers to express breast milk in a location other than a toilet stall that is private and within close proximity to their work space. The law also allows mothers to breastfed in public whenever and however she pleases!

1. Search Breastfeeding Laws Here

2. KellyMom Working & Pumping Tips

Get The Other Supplies

The supplies needed will vary from person to person. Take this list and mark off anything you don't want, then get what you do!

• Breast Pump

• Nursing Bras

• Nursing Pads

• Hot/Cold Packs

• Nipple Cream

• Milk Storage Bags/System

• Bottle Brush

• A Breastfeeding Friendly Bottle

I hope this guide is useful to the amazing parents here in East Tennessee... You can do this!

Namastè Friends