Family Matters

"The Golden Hour"

When your baby is born, they want to be skin-to-skin on their mother’s chest while they awaken to breastfeeding.  This is called "the golden hour" of breastfeeding.

Let family know ahead of time that visiting is delayed until after the first few hours to ensure baby adjusts to life outside and breastfeeding.

Your hospital nurse can help you manage early visitors, so you and baby can focus on breastfeeding.

For Dads & Partners

• Dads and partners are important to healthy breastfeeding. Learn how »
• Support groups for fathers, Daddy Boot Camp and more
• Alameda County's Fatherhood Initiative improves the quality of life for children, families and communities by support responsible fatherhood and healthy relationships with parenting education and skill building. Learn more »
• Learn about breastfeeding and how you can support mom and baby. Visit Dear Dad »

Grandparents

Find the best ways to support mom and baby on their breastfeeding journey.
Learn more here »

Breastfeeding Videos

Do you like to learn with videos?

Visit the Global Health Media Project for free excellent videos in many languages

Do you feel stressed with day-to-day life?

Tell your doctor if you:

• feel tired all the time
• have trouble thinking clearly
• feel worried, guilty or like a failure
• have trouble sleeping or sleep too much
• feel sad, angry or cry a lot
• have little interest in things you used to enjoy

You can feel well again with a little help.

Breastfeeding, Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking

Many moms ask how smoking, drugs, and alcohol affect breastfeeding. When you are breastfeeding, you should avoid or try to limit smoking, most drugs, and alcohol.

To ensure the best health for you and your baby, talk with your doctor and learn more here.