Published on August 10, 2026

Forrest Health Promotes Breastfeeding During National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

The first days with a newborn are filled with excitement, exhaustion, and plenty of questions. For many new mothers, breastfeeding quickly becomes one of the biggest learning experiences of early parenthood. While it offers significant health benefits for both mother and baby, it doesn't always come naturally. That's why having access to education, encouragement, and experienced lactation support can make all the difference during those first days and in the weeks that follow.

During National Breastfeeding Month in August, Forrest Health is highlighting the resources available to help families throughout their breastfeeding journey, from bedside education after delivery to outpatient lactation support once they return home.

Because of the incredible benefits for both infants and mothers, breastfeeding is encouraged for a minimum of 12 months after birth. Forrest Health has two hospitals designated as Baby-Friendly facilities – Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg and Highland Community Hospital in Picayune – that support mothers throughout the entire breastfeeding process. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

FGH’s Women and Children’s Services and the Family Birth Center at HCH offer the following resources for breastfeeding mothers:

  • Free Online Breastfeeding Classes
  • Lactation Consultants
  • Staff assistance with breastfeeding techniques
  • Milk Depot
    • FGH serves as one of 12 Milk Depots across the state that accepts donations, which go to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Mississippi, Mother's Milk Bank of Mississippi
  • FGH Lactation Office – 601-288-4554
  • FGH Family Birthplace – 601-288-4500
  • HCH Family Birth Center – 601-358-9400
  • Forrest Health YouTube offers a variety of Childbirth and Breastfeeding Education Videos - Childbirth and Breastfeeding Education - YouTube

 

Breastfeeding Resources in Mississippi

Mississippi offers a wide range of support for breastfeeding mothers, from in-person lactation services to online tools and statewide programs.

  • The Pine Belt has a new breastfeeding support group, Pine Belt MILC League of MS. The group This is a free weekly gathering for moms in every stage of feeding/motherhood journey. Their team consists of one of Forrest Health’s patient care coordinators, a local certified lactation counselor, and an international board certified lactation consultant. pinebeltmilcleague@outlook.com
  • La Leche League of Metro Jackson – Facebook page. This is a closed group that currently has more than 13,000 members and has a number of leaders who consist of CLCs, IBCLCs and experienced mothers to help in one’s breastfeeding journey.  
  • Mississippi Lactation Services – mslactation.com
  • Gulf Coast Breastfeeding Center – Pass Christian, MS
  • Better Beginnings Lactation – Ocean Springs, MS

Additional Resources

  • National Breastfeeding Healthline – National Breastfeeding Healthline
    The National Women’s Health Information Center is available to answer

breastfeeding questions in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. – 1-800-994-WOMAN (9662) or 888-220-5446

  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – 1-833-TLC-MAMA (24/7, English/Spanish) 
  • Mom. Me – Free individual counseling for struggling moms; peer support warm line – 1-866-951-5744, www.msbfc.org .
  • Infant Risk Center – Medication safety during pregnancy/breastfeeding – 1-806-352-2519 
  • Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice – Find a certified lactation counselor – Home - ALPP   
  • PACIFY APP - 888-278 This app connects with live lactation consultants who are available 24/7 via video to offer breastfeeding support and answer other feeding related questions. Simple and easy to use right from home, no appointments required, and you can call as often as you need to. Check with your health plan or WIC Clinic to find out if you are eligible for a free membership. WIC-eligible participants can also get their code at Expert maternal health support from Pacify & MS WIC
  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – 1-833-TLC-MAMA (24/7, English/Spanish) www.msbfc.org .

Websites

Media Contact

All media related inquiries should be directed to Forrest Health Marketing & Communications at marketing@forresthealth.org.

About Forrest

Forrest is a regional health system providing high-quality, compassionate care across South Mississippi. Anchored by Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Forrest includes seven hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics, and a comprehensive network of services designed to make care more accessible throughout the region. United by a commitment to care in all ways, for all people, always, Forrest is dedicated to advancing health and well-being through every stage of life.