24/7/365 SUPPORT LINE: Text or Call (413) 344-2800

24/7/365 SUPPORT LINE: Text or Call (413) 344-2800

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Welcome, we’re so glad you’re here!

We provide FREE Lactation and Parenting Support for Berkshire County Families

Berkshire Nursing Families provides one-on-one and group support at every stage of the infant feeding process.

From prenatal classes to virtual and in-home consultations, we are here to help you.

Whether it’s a routine question, or you’re in need of urgent assistance to feed your baby, our Feeding & Parenting Support Line is available 24/7/365 to help you when you need it most.

Call or text us anytime at 413.344.2800

We at Berkshire Nursing Families believe that lactation and parenting support should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford it. That is why we have been providing our award-winning services for FREE to the Berkshire County community for over 20 years.

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It’s amazing what human bodies can do.

Breast milk reduces the risk of infections, SIDS, and illness in infants and has long-term health benefits such as lower risk of asthma, diabetes, eczema, childhood leukemia, and childhood obesity.

It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and changes to meet your baby’s needs.

If you provide your baby with breast milk for a day, a month, or even years, you gift your baby the biological marvel that is human milk.

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Why do I need lactation support? Breastfeeding comes naturally…. right?

Yes, but…

It’s not natural like taking your first breath, it’s natural like learning to walk. It takes learning, practice, and support - both for parent and baby. And there can be many added complications and complexities to overcome. It can be hard, and parents often do not have access to the adequate supports they need, and deserve, to provide breast milk to their baby.

Breastfeeding shouldn’t be a privilege just for those who can afford help. We are here to provide you the information, tools, and support to navigate feeding your baby - for free.

There are various ways to provide human milk: latching baby at the breast, pumping, using donor milk, bottle feeding, tube/Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) feeding, syringe feeding, etc. No matter how you feed your baby or whether you provide breast milk one time, or for years, we will celebrate every single drop with you.

Or maybe you know that you don’t want to or will not be able to lactate. Your journey is also valid and no less deserving of support. Stopping lactating can also be challenging and we’re also here to help you avoid complications and remain comfortable while you stop producing milk.

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  • OUR MISSION is to enhance the life-long health of our community through the promotion and support of breastfeeding and positive parenting.

    ***Breastfeeding includes providing pumped milk and/or donor milk in a variety of different ways, providing supplements, and chestfeeding.***

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  • OUR GOAL is to provide our community with the tools, skills and education to make the best personal choice when offering nutrition to babies regardless of ability to pay for services.

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  • OUR COMMITMENT is to provide a positive experience for all families interested in learning about breastfeeding and this excellent source of nutrition for their babies.

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  • We strive to provide services and care that are LGBTQIA+ affirming, anti-racist, trauma informed, and social justice informed.

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Why is using inclusive language when talking about infant feeding important?

Breastfeeding, human milk feeding, lactating, chestfeeding, donor milk feeding, combination feeding, pumping, etc. are all medical terms to talk about providing milk to babies. They do not replace breastfeeding but are additional options to use.

This is critical because using inclusive language reduces barriers to accessing healthcare for all families.

Acknowledging that there are many ways of providing infants milk does not take anything away from women who breastfeed directly at the breast but provides critical inclusion to families who might not otherwise feel safe in receiving care to help feed their babies.

BNF supports all birthing people: mothers, trans men, non-binary individuals, intersex individuals, etc. We also support anyone who wants to induce lactation, including adoptive parents, or parents who have had a baby by surrogate. We also help people stop lactating and introduce formula if/when it is needed and/or feels right to them. These are just a few examples of the vast range of unique experiences and needs of the families we work with.

We celebrate mothers, we celebrate breastfeeding, and we do that while also acknowledging, supporting, and celebrating all the different journeys that families take through pregnancy, birth, parenting, and feeding. We are continually learning, and the more we learn the more we strive to do better to ensure that anyone who wants support through the perinatal period can feel safe receiving care with us.

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Learn more about us.