Guam Mamas
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding Resources
Did you know...?
-
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
-
breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth
-
breastfeeding should be "on demand", as often as the child wants day and night
-
bottles or pacifiers should be avoided.
-
-
There are risks associated with formula feeding.
-
Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It gives infants all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, the two primary causes of child mortality worldwide. Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate nutrition.
-
Breastfeeding also benefits mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control (98% protection in the first six months after birth). It reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, helps women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster, and lowers rates of obesity.
-
Support for mothers is essential. Breastfeeding has to be learned and many women encounter difficulties at the beginning. Nipple pain, and fear that there is not enough milk to sustain the baby are common.
Printable Handouts:
Helpful Websites:
Recommended Reading:
Check out these titles & more in our Lending Library!
By Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, & Teresa Pitman
By Diana West & Lisa Marasco
By LLLI, Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Linda J. Smith, & Teresa Pitman
By Margie Deutsch Lash, Nancy Williams, Gretchen Andrews, & Shawn Crane
By Robyn Roche-Paull
Local Resources & Retailers:
Guam WIC & Loving Support Through Peer Counseling
Barrigada, Guam
671-475-0287
Since a major goal of the WIC Program is to improve the nutritional status of infants, WIC mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their infants. WIC has historically promoted breastfeeding to all pregnant women as the optimal infant feeding choice, unless medically contraindicated. WIC mothers choosing to breastfeed are provided information through counseling and breastfeeding educational materials. Breastfeeding mothers receive follow-up support through peer counselors. Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to participate in WIC longer than non-breastfeeding mothers. Mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infants receive an enhanced food package. Breastfeeding mothers can receive breast pumps, breast shells or nursing supplementers to help support the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding.
The Guam Breastfeeding Committee
guambreastfeeding@gmail.com
The mission of the Guam Breastfeeding Committee is to promote, protect, & support breastfeeding on the island of Guam.
It is made up of a dedicated group of men & women volunteers passionate about supporting breastfeeding.
Currently they hold monthly meetings, please email for meeting times & locations. All are welcome!
Community-Based, Mother-to-Mother Milk Sharing
Eats on Feets is proud to be a leading resource for community based breastmilk sharing. Eats on Feets Facebook pages facilitate a world-wide network of parents and professionals who have made the informed choice to share or support the sharing of breastmilk. The Facebook pages provide a commerce-free space where women can share their milk in a safe, ethical manner.
Eats On Feets has also developed a Resource Guide that is a comprehensive source of information for safe breastmilk sharing. It answers common questions, gives screening suggestions, examines child feeding options and uses up to date medical research.
La Leche League of Guam
Mother-to-mother support group.
671-864-7117. jekyph@gmail.com.
http://www.llli.org/
Their mission is to promote breastfeeding and provide mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education to the mothers of Guam.
LLL of Guam is currently on schedule to begin monthly Series Meetings in September of 2015.
Doulas, breastfeeding support, childbirth educators, and other local resources
Helping connect families with the services they seek during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in our beautiful community of Guam.
-Locate & hire birth doulas
-Holistic, alternative, & traditional care
Breast Pump Rentals & Sales
671-487-6262
The Baby Store Guam offers hospital-grade breast pump rentals & sales, as well as other pumping supplies. Accepts most insurance. Locally owned.
Birthing Center
647-1417/18
Sagua Mañagu, Guam’s first birthing center, is committed to enhancing the entire birth experience by providing, quality family-oriented care for healthy pregnant women during and after normal pregnancy, labor and childbirth.
Over the years, they have expanded our class offerings from Lamaze® and Orientation to include classes on basic prenatal care, newborn care, parenting & safety, and a popular new class for first-time fathers, Baby Daddy. In addition, Marianas Physicians Group now offers nutritional counseling to MPG patients who are dealing with diabetes, hypertension, fertility issues and weight.
Neni & Me
Maternity & More
671-969-BABY(2229)
Neni & Me is a locally owned and ran business that caters to expectant, postpartum, and nursing mothers on Guam. They encourage and promote breastfeeding and other benefits that will aid mothers in nurturing their neni. This is displayed with the careful decisions we make when bringing in products that are safe, organic, chemical-free, pediatrician recommended, and completely comfortable and user-friendly for mothers and their precious neni.
Located in Sagua Mañagu Birthing Center.
Baby Boutique
671-479-BABY (2229)
Procreate offers unique hand selected specialty products for infants and maternity, breastfeeding, maternity, toddler fashion apparel, footwear, gifts, bath and beauty care, healing support, gear, car seats, strollers, and the safest, highest-rated, sought-after merchandise.
