Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey that brings unique challenges and questions—especially in the early days postpartum. Whether you’re nursing your first baby or you’re a seasoned parent needing reassurance, you don’t have to go through it alone. There are free, trusted hotlines available to support you with expert advice, encouragement, and solutions, 24/7 in many cases.
Here’s a guide to essential breastfeeding hotlines and support services that can help you navigate everything from latch issues and milk supply concerns to pumping and weaning.
- National Breastfeeding Helpline (USA)
📞 1-800-994-9662
🕐 Available: Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm ET
🌐 womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
Run by: The U.S. Office on Women’s Health
What they offer: Trained breastfeeding peer counselors who can answer questions, help troubleshoot problems, and connect you to lactation consultants in your area.
- La Leche League International (LLLI)
🌐 lllusa.org | llli.org
What they offer: La Leche League leaders (volunteer breastfeeding experts) offer free one-on-one breastfeeding help via phone, text, or virtual meetings. Find a local leader here.
Why it matters: LLLI is globally respected for their compassionate, evidence-based breastfeeding support.
- WIC Breastfeeding Support Line (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
📞 Varies by state – Find your local WIC office here
Who it’s for: Families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
What they offer: Certified lactation counselors, breastfeeding peer counselors, and support groups. Many WIC agencies offer 24-hour breastfeeding hotlines.
- Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE) Breastfeeding Support
🌐 breastfeedingrose.org
What they offer: Culturally relevant breastfeeding support for Black families, including access to peer counselors, doulas, and lactation consultants. You can reach out via their contact page for direct help or referrals.
- National Women’s Health and Breastfeeding Helpline – Canada
📞 Call 811 in most provinces or check your province’s health services
🌐 Healthy Parents, Healthy Children
What they offer: 24/7 breastfeeding help from registered nurses, including guidance on infant feeding, latching, pumping, and milk storage.
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) – Helpline
📞 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) or text “HELP” to 800-944-4773
🌐 postpartum.net
What they offer: While not breastfeeding-specific, PSI’s helpline is critical if breastfeeding challenges are affecting your mental health. They’ll connect you to lactation consultants, counselors, and local support networks.
- Local Hospital or Birth Center Hotlines
Most hospitals and birthing centers offer lactation support hotlines for their patients—often 24/7 in the days and weeks after birth. Ask for the lactation department phone number before discharge or look it up online.
- Text4Baby (U.S.)
📱 Text “BABY” (or “BEBE” for Spanish) to 511411
🌐 text4baby.org
What they offer: While not a hotline, Text4Baby sends free, personalized messages about breastfeeding, newborn care, and mental health straight to your phone.
Breastfeeding can be beautiful—and bewildering. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. These hotlines and resources are staffed by trained professionals and peer supporters who want to help. No question is too small, and no struggle is too big.
Save these numbers, share them with friends, and remember: Support is just a phone call away.
