Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding and Lactation Support

Human milk is the most natural form of nourishment for your baby. Breastfeeding, or chestfeeding as some prefer to call it, offers many health benefits for babies and parents and helps sustain the bond initially formed during pregnancy.
Our Commitment to Support Your Family’s Breastfeeding Journey
At the Family Birth Center, we are dedicated to empowering breastfeeding families across Chicagoland, offering expert guidance and resources to support your goals for your child’s health. From the moment your baby is born to the end of your breastfeeding journey, we are here to ensure that your family feels supported every step of the way.
Planning Ahead
We offer prenatal classes for expectant parents who plan to breastfeed, where you and your partner or a support person can learn the benefits and what to expect.
Join us in person for a class in Hyde Park or Harvey. Or choose one of our virtual breastfeeding classes, which include an online course that you can take at your own pace or a live zoom class.
Getting Started
At the Family Birth Center, your entire care team is specially trained to help you and your newborn get a healthy start to breastfeeding.
Additionally, certified lactation consultants are readily available to offer expert support during your hospital stay. Our team, which provides the same guidance as that of private lactation consultants, helps you:
- Recognize and follow your baby's feeding cues
- Find comfortable feeding positions for you and your baby
- Learn to help your baby latch on
- Learn to manage your breast pump
- Learn to manage breastfeeding difficulties for baby and mother
- Understand how your diet affects nutrients in your breast milk
Personal Guidance from Our Expert Lactation Consultants
Baby Bistro Breastfeeding Support Group
At the Family Birth Center, breastfeeding and chestfeeding support continues beyond your hospital stay. Baby Bistro is our free weekly support group for breastfeeding parents. New members are always welcome.
Join Our Baby Bistro Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding Support Group
Lactation Support Warm Line
Additionally, our lactation consultants remain accessible to answer your questions by phone. Leave a message on our warm line and a certified lactation consultant will call back to discuss your questions and concerns.
Start Your Breastfeeding Journey in a Family-Centered Environment

Family Birth Center – Hyde Park
Located in the UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, the Family Birth Center – Hyde Park is recognized as a Baby-Friendly birth facility. Learn more about this designation and what it means for our breastfeeding newborns and families.

Family Birth Center – Harvey
From classes to bedside lactation support, our team provides compassionate, personalized care for Southland families who choose to breastfeed. Learn more about the Family Birth Center – Harvey, starting with a virtual tour.
Prenatal Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding Resources
Take advantage of opportunities to learn as much as you can and plan ahead as you prepare to welcome your little one.
Help yourself prepare to feed your baby on day one by learning and reviewing the basics of lactation, position and latch.
Classes
Breastfeeding Your Infant
Choose from live and self-paced options offered by the Family Birth Center.
Online and Mobile Resources
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding basics:
Learn to latch:
Sign up to receive educational tips via text message.
Set yourself up for breastfeeding/chestfeeding success by planning ahead.
- Create a breastfeeding/chestfeeding plan to share with your birth team.
- Plan for co-lactation or lactation by non-gestational carriers.
Find birth and postpartum doulas who are accessible to all:
- Sokana Collective, offering a sliding scale for birth, postpartum and basic lactation support
- Chicago Volunteer Doulas
- Chicago Birth Works
- Project Hope, for residents of Chicago's West Side between ages 12 to 25
- Find perinatal support services and programs in Illinois
First, contact your insurance company or look up your plan on their website to find out what is covered.
Tips to understand your coverage and navigate the process for obtaining supplies and services:
- How to Get a Breast Pump Through Insurance
- Order a Breast Pump and Supplies Online Through Insurance
If your insurance coverage is through Illinois Medicaid, you only qualify for one pump every five years. If you do qualify, they will ship your pump to you a few weeks prior to your due date.
If you deliver early or don’t get your pump in time, the University of Chicago Medicine can distribute a pump to you at the hospital via Neb Medical.
Before you start maternity leave, discuss the accommodations you’ll need for lactation support when you return to work and/or school. And learn your rights in Illinois.
Postpartum Resources for Breastfeeding and Chestfeeding Parents
Our Baby Bistro support group and warm line offer direct access to our experienced team of certified lactation consultants.
Learn more about other helpful resources for parents who choose to breastfeed or chestfeed.
Also, check your insurance plan website for contracted lactation consultants.
Lactation providers who serve the South Side:
- St. Bernard Bosom Buddies: Mondays at 11 a.m. Call for an appointment.
If you would like to order donor milk but face financial hardship, inquire about financial assistance options.
Make your own DIY hands-free pumping bra
Make a pumping plan, including goal volumes, milk storage guidelines, etc.:
- Going Back to School or Work
- Pumping Strategies for Working Parents
- Pumping Resources
- Paced Bottle Feeding Technique for Breastfed/Chestfed Babies
Discuss your right to pumping accommodations at work and school:
Request an accommodations letter from your healthcare provider.
Help your childcare providers feed your child human milk by sharing information about supportive practices and proper handling of human milk:
Online Communities
Virtual support groups for BIPOC families:
Social media groups:
- Where Black Moms Can Turn for Breastfeeding Help
- Milky Mommas
- Chicago Breastfeeding Mommas
- Birthing and Breast or Chestfeeding Trans People and Allies Facebook Group
Apps and Mobile learning
Pregnancy Apps
- Text4baby: Tips and reminders via text message
- Baby Center: Weekly information and community-building
- Mobile Milk: Educational tips via text message
Feeding and Diaper Tracking Apps
Baby Tracker in What to Expect App
Lactation Apps
Breastfeeding Solutions: Troubleshooting common problems
Mommy Meds