The Metro Nashville Public Health Department is committed to giving babies a healthy start that includes promoting, supporting and protecting rights of breastfeeding mothers. Breast milk provides the best nutrients for a newborn to grow, develop, and build a strong immune system.
Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of getting breast and ovarian cancers, and their babies are less likely to develop numerous conditions, including earaches, diabetes, and obesity. Many groups recommend that infants receive breast milk for at least the first year of life including:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American Association of Family Physicians
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
Increasing breastfeeding rates in Davidson County is a key strategy to improve health in general, particularly aiding in the prevention of childhood obesity. It is our vision that every mother has the opportunity and support necessary to breastfeed where they live, work, learn, worship, play, and give birth.
Nashville’s Breastfeeding Education Video Series
A series of topics related to breast milk which include education, personal experiences and local resources. This series was done in collaboration with The Nashville Breastfeeding Coalition, Homeland Heart Birth and Wellness collective, A Better Balance, Metro Public Health Divisions; WIC, Prevention and Wellness, Preconception Health and families from Davidson County. Financial support for this project was provided by the Nashville Breastfeeding Coalition and a grant from the Tennessee Department of Health.
- Video Series Introduction
- Why Should I Breastfeed?
- Preparing To Breastfeed
- Breastfeeding and Illness
- The First 48 hours Breastfeeding
- The First Weeks Breastfeeding
- Latching
- Breastfeeding and Mental Health
- Milk Expression Pumps and Hand Massage
- Returning to Work
- Know Your Rights
- Nursing Beyond a Year and Weaning
Further resources
Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline: 855-423-6667
Call the WIC Information line at 615-340-7788 and contact the WIC Clinic of your choice to talk to a designated breastfeeding expert or breastfeeding peer counselor.