Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # WV Breastfeeding ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Pages - [Homepage](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/) - Welcome to West Virginia Breastfeeding A healthier West Virginia starts with more breastfeeding. We are working statewide to make it easier for families to provide human milk to their babies. Explore our Work Why Breastfeeding Matters in West Virginia Human milk is best for human babies. Breast milk has a range of positive effects on - [Lactation Training and Breastfeeding Education](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/lactation-training-and-breastfeeding-education/) - Lactation Training and Breastfeeding Education Breastfeeding families deserve advice and clinical care based on research evidence and professional consensus. It is well documented that families who receive care from breastfeeding-knowledgeable physicians and other providers are less likely to wean prematurely. The WV Breastfeeding Institute is committed to offering quality Lactation Education & Training Opportunities at - [Prenatal Breastfeeding Education](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/prenatal-breastfeeding-education/) - [Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/infant-and-young-child-feeding-in-emergencies/) - Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies From the United States Breastfeeding Committee: Emergencies often occur when least expected, and sometimes when we are least prepared. They can include a wide range of unsettling events, including personal or family crises, public health emergencies (such as a flu pandemic), acts of terror and violence, and natural - [Find Lactation Support](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/find-lactation-support/) - Find Lactation Support Breastfeeding is natural, but not always easy. In fact, it is more like learning to walk, rather than being like something as natural as breathing. Many mothers face challenges like poor latch, nipple pain, engorgement, or low milk supply. Without expert help, these common issues can lead to early weaning—often against the - [Nursing Station Locations](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/state-fair-nursing-stations/) - Smart Lock Code: 8008# - [Get Involved](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/get-involved/) - Get Involved Join WVBA Whether you are a mom, a healthcare provider or a curious community member—if you would like to become an advocate for breastfeeding in our state—sign up! As a member of the West Virginia Breastfeeding Alliance you will be making an important contribution to advancing the health and well-being of all West - [We Are Making a Difference](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/we-are-making-a-difference/) - We Are Making a Difference The WV Breastfeeding Alliance has made an impact over the years bringing breastfeeding advocates together to strengthen policy and legislation at the state level. The WVBA and the WV Breastfeeding Institute have worked to train healthcare professionals, improve maternity care practices in hospitals and create awareness about the importance of - [Hospital Maternity Care Practices](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/hospital-maternity-care-practices/) - Hospital Maternity Care Practices Maternity Care Practices Overview (from CDC.gov) In the United States, nearly all infants are born in a hospital. Their stay is typically brief, but events during this time have lasting effects. Experiences with breastfeeding in the first hours and days of life significantly influence an infant’s later feeding. Several key supportive - [Donor Milk](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/donor-milk/) - Donor Milk WV Breastfeeding is working to increase the supply and use of donor milk in West Virginia. The majority of donor milk for WV babies comes from the Mid Atlantic Mothers Milk Bank in Pittsburgh, PA. “Nothing compares to a mother’s own milk. It is perfection and is always the goal. Donor milk can - [Policy and Systems Improvement](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/policy-and-systems-improvement/) - Policy and Systems Improvement Legislation Nursing Mothers Bill of Rights - Contains WV and Federal protections for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers FLSA - Breast Pump and Lactation Benefits Pregnant Workers Fairness Act PUMP Act West Virginia Breastfeeding Laws West Virginia supports breastfeeding in any public or private place, but there are no state-level workplace lactation - [Healthcare Professionals](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/healthcare-professionals/) - Healthcare Professionals Breastfeeding Knowledgeable Healthcare Systems A breastfeeding-knowledgeable healthcare system is vital to the health of West Virginia's women and babies. WVBf works with hospitals, organizations and providers to promote and support optimal infant feeding practices. Maternity Care Practices Breastfeeding-supportive maternity care practices are strongly linked to increased rates of breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. Find - [Medications and Breastfeeding](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/medications-and-breastfeeding/) - Medications and Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is universally recognized as the preferred method of infant nutrition, but is sometimes abbreviated because of fear of harm to the infant from maternal medication. Parents Many common medications are considered safe to take while breastfeeding. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before taking any medication, - [Donate](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/donate/) - Donate Why Donate to WV Breastfeeding? Your donation supports healthier families and stronger communities across West Virginia. By contributing, you help: Improve infant and maternal health through breastfeeding education and support Provide training for healthcare professionals to offer evidence-based, compassionate care Increase access to lactation support in hospitals, clinics, and rural areas Promote breastfeeding-friendly environments - [Access to Trained Lactation Support](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/access-to-trained-lactation-support/) - Access to Trained Lactation Support Family members, physicians, and other health care providers all play a role in influencing individuals’ choices about infant feeding. A parent’s perception of the attitudes of hospital staff toward breastfeeding has been shown to be predictive of breastfeeding failure by 6 weeks of age. Many families receive conflicting, unsubstantiated, and - [Disrupting Formula Marketing](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/disrupting-formula-marketing/) - Disrupting Formula Marketing “Infant formula is not evil. It is a necessity for infant survival when mothers cannot provide their own milk or do not desire to do so.“ Parents rely on providers for medically sound, impartial advice. Even small gifts or sponsorships from formula companies can subconsciously bias provider recommendations. This may lead to - [State of Breastfeeding in West Virginia](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/state-of-breastfeeding-in-west-virginia/) - State of Breastfeeding in West Virginia Why Breastfeeding Matters Breastfeeding is one of the best public health “buys” available. In the first year of life, appropriate infant nutrition (exclusive breastfeeding to around 6 months) reduces infant mortality and hospital admissions by 50% or more. Early life nutrition has important influences, including on childhood illnesses, obesity, - [About Us](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/about-us/) - About Us Who We Are Molly Scarborough McMillion RN, BSN, IBCLC, LCCE Director, West Virginia Breastfeeding InstituteSpecial Projects Consultant, WV Perinatal Partnership Molly has served as the Director of the WV Breastfeeding Alliance since 2017. She has recently grown the work of the Alliance into the WV Breastfeeding Institute, which is housed at the WV - [General Resources](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/general-resources/) - General Resources General Resources Droplets Rack card Why Babies Breastfeed Often (tear pad) Top 10 Breastfeeding Myths (tear pad) Pumping and Storage of Breastmilk (tear pad) Common Medications while Breastfeeding WVBI Breastfeeding Support resource brochure COVID-19 Vaccine and breastfeeding Marijuana & Pregnancy Pacify (WIC) flyer Pacify (WIC) wallet cards National Maternal Mental Health Hotline handout - [Join WVBA](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/join-wvba/) - Join WVBA - [02 - Basic Interior - Components](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/02-basic-interior-components/) - H1. Heading lorem ipsum dolor sit amtet Introduction. Maximum 20 words. Erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi porta lorem mollis aliquam ut porttitor leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id eu nisl nunc. H3. Headline Lorem Ipsum Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis faucibus augue nec ipsum sagittis eleifend at sed turpis. Donec aliquet - [01 - Basic Interior - Guidelines](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/01-basic-interior-guidelines/) - H1. Heading lorem ipsum dolor sit amtet Introduction. Maximum 20 words. Erat imperdiet sed euismod nisi porta lorem mollis aliquam ut porttitor leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id eu nisl nunc. H2. Heading lorem ipsum Introduction. Maximum 50 words per paragraph. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut - [Contact Us](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/contact-us/) - Contact Us - [Parents & Families](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/parents-families/) - Parents & Families Why should I breastfeed? Five great benefits of breastfeeding Nutrition Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, the mother's breast milk will change to meet the baby's nutritional needs. Protection Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed - [00-Homepage](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/00-homepage/) - Welcome to West Virginia Breastfeeding A healthier West Virginia starts with more breastfeeding. We are working statewide to make it easier for families to provide human milk to their babies. Explore our Work Why Breastfeeding Matters in West Virginia Human milk is best for human babies. Breast milk has a range of positive effects on - [Terms of Use](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/terms-of-use/) - Terms of Use Coming soon! - [Accessibility Policy](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/accessibility-policy/) - Accessibility Policy Coming soon! - [Privacy Policy](https://wvbreastfeeding.org/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy Coming soon!