Strategies to Support Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding support is complex and multidimensional, and it may include any of the following:

• providing emotional or psychosocial support;
• giving reassurance;
• supplying praise;
• building self-esteem;
• offering practical help;
• giving information through discussion and responses to the individual’s questions;
• extending social support, including connecting breastfeeding persons to support groups or other networks;
• increasing a person’s knowledge of the importance of breastfeeding;
• supporting breastfeeding continuation and countering societal or familial pressures that may undermine breastfeeding confidence or goals; and
• addressing any myths or misconceptions regarding breast milk and the need for complementary foods for the infant prior to six months of age.