Being a new mom is tough! There are so many decisions to make for your tiny baby, and what works for one baby may not be ideal for yours. Even choosing what to feed your baby can feel like a monumental task. You know yourself and your baby best, and whether you decide to feed your baby with breast milk, formula, or a little of both, know that we support you! If you are planning to breastfeed your baby, be sure to keep this list of breastfeeding resources in Birmingham close by!
If you choose to breastfeed and find it challenging, there are many local resources that can help make feeding your little one more enjoyable. Lactation consultants are passionate about making your breastfeeding journey easier and more successful. Extensive training and testing is required to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC.) Most lactation consultants are or have been breastfeeding mamas themselves, so they know their stuff!
Birmingham Breastfeeding
Going anywhere with a newborn is hard. Birmingham Breastfeeding is a group of lactation consultants who see clients and their babies in the Birmingham and Trussville areas. Birmingham Breastfeeding offers private prenatal and postnatal lactation consultations in the comfort of your own home, in their office, or virtually. Their lactation classes cover every detail of breastfeeding and will help you feel prepared even before your delivery. Everyone on staff is both a registered nurse (RN) and an IBCLC or CLC, and their services may be covered by your insurance.
At Home Lactation
Jerri Carlisle with At Home Lactation is an IBCLC and RN with over 35 years of experience as a nurse in Labor and Delivery. She provides in-home prenatal and postpartum lactation consultations in the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa areas so that you can stay in your pajamas while getting the support you need. Her services may be covered by your insurance.
Chocolate Milk Mommies
Chocolate Milk Mommies is a great organization that supports women who are breastfeeding in black communities. They host in-person monthly Mommy Meet-Ups and offer one-on-one virtual breastfeeding assessments with a certified lactation consultant. Details on Mommy Meet-Up dates and locations can be found on their private Facebook page, and virtual assessments are also scheduled through the page. Chocolate Milk Mommies also offers Teen Outreach and Parent Outreach programs. Those who qualify receive breastfeeding support, education, and resources. Another resource they sponsor is their Breast Pump Rental Program, through which moms without access to a breast pump can rent hospital grade breast pumps.
Brookwood Hospital
Brookwood Hospital offers prenatal virtual and in-person breastfeeding classes to help you learn about breastfeeding before your baby is even born. You can register for classes by calling (844) 623-3113. They also host breastfeeding support groups two days a week in the following locations:
Westwood Baptist Church, Room 200
1155 Alabaster Boulevard, Alabaster 35007
Mondays 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
**Park and enter on the upper level at the front of the church.
Vestavia Methodist Church, Room 147 in the Lighthouse
2061 Kentucky Avenue, Vestavia Hills 35216
Thursdays 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
You can rent a hospital grade breast pump or speak to a lactation consultant by calling their breastfeeding hotline at 205-877-1978.
St. Vincent’s Baby Cafe
St. Vincent’s Baby Cafe hosts breastfeeding support groups led by lactation consultants at three different times each week and in two locations:
St. Vincent’s Women’s Center, 4th floor
810 St. Vincent’s Drive, Birmingham 35205
Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00-3:00 PM
St. Vincent’s 119, Classroom A
7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham 35242
Wednesdays from 10:00-12:00 AM
If you would like a private appointment with a lactation consultant, those are available in-person and virtually. Call 205-212-6667 to make an appointment at St. Vincent’s Downtown, or 205-408-6600 to make an appointment at St. Vincent’s 119. You can also register online HERE. St. Vincent’s also allows mothers to rent hospital grade pumps.
UAB Women and Infants Center
UAB Women and Infants Center has an excellent Breastfeeding Support webpage complete with answers to common questions, suggestions for common challenges, and resources for breastfeeding. They offer classes taught by lactation consultants for expecting moms and dads, and if you have concerns or questions after delivery, you can reach the lactation consultants and nurses at UAB by calling (205) 975-8334.
US Department of Health and Human Services
Another reliable source of information on all things breastfeeding and pumping is the US Department of Health and Human Services website.
Mothers’ Milk Bank of Alabama (MMBA)
The MMBA can provide help to moms who produce extra breast milk and want to share their liquid gold with babies who need nourishment. MMBA is a non-profit organization that collects, processes, and facilitates the distribution of mothers’ milk. They provide breast milk to local hospitals for sick babies or premature infants when mom can’t supply her own breast milk for any reason. After completing a screening process, approved donors can bring excess breast milk to a drop off center in Birmingham. Get started donating HERE.
