Breastfeeding Guide for American Indian and Alaska Native Families

US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health

This Booklet, along with the 1-800-994-9662 and www.womenshealth.gov website, are designed to help you feel confident in your decision to breastfeed.

"Since before anyone can remember, American Native and Alaska Native women have made enough breastmilk for their children, often more than one child at a time. Villages, communities, and entire nations have thrived and grown strong from mother’s milk. Trust your body, you will have enough."

Download guide here.
The Breastfeeding Promotion Group of Arizona came together to share this guide with an important message of hope for Native communities.
Breastmilk is our first traditional food. Breastfeeding is one of the most important things parents can do for their children and is especially important for American Indian and AlaskaNative families. Many Native families and communities struggle with serious health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Breastfeeding protects a baby’s spirtual, mental and physical health. It lowers the risk of an infant becoming overweight and possibly developing diabetes and other diet-related diseasese later in life.
Breastfed babies are less likely to have:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- Colds
- Flu
- Gain too much unhealthy weight
In this guide, you will learn :
- How to get started
- What to expect
- How to hold the baby
- Common questions and concerns
- How to know if baby is getting enough
- Where to go for more help and support