According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 83% of Massachusetts women breastfeed their infants in the early days of life – a number that is greater than the US rate as a whole and beyond the target set by the Healthy People 2020 goals. The number of women continuing to breastfeed in the weeks and months after birth are increasing as well.
With more women breastfeeding comes the need for greater access to breastfeeding support. ZipMilk.org, a project of the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition, has been providing both Massachusetts’ families and professionals with breastfeeding resources sorted by zip code for over seven years. Today, there are over 450 listings, providing an abundance of resources that cater to the growing need for breastfeeding support. The online directory points users toward board-certified lactation consultants, breastfeeding counselors and educators, breastfeeding support groups, free community-based lactation resources including WIC programs and more.
Recently, the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition revamped the ZipMilk site and expanded its listings of breastfeeding service providers. If you aren’t sure which type of breastfeeding professional to search for, there is a helpful tool on the website called the “Landscape of Breastfeeding.” It provides descriptions of the various types of breastfeeding professionals, making it easier to decide what service best fits your needs.
The value of the ZipMilk online breastfeeding resource directory has gained national recognition. There are currently 5 states that are linked to ZipMilk with others under development.
Whether you are a new mom looking for breastfeeding advice or a health care provider wanting to link parents with knowledgeable lactation professionals, visit www.zipmilk.org where neighborhood breastfeeding help is a click away!
