Educational Resources for Families

Whether you're preparing to breastfeed, currently nursing, or seeking support for unique circumstances, we’re here to help. Below you'll find trusted, culturally sensitive resources to guide, support, and empower your feeding journey from birth and beyond.

Educational Resources

Explore trusted resources to support your breastfeeding journey. From local support groups and donor milk access to culturally rooted care and national advocacy organizations, these tools are here to help you make informed, empowered choices for you and your baby.

Mom-to-Mom Milk Sharing

Safety & Cultural Context

Milk sharing is a cultural tradition in Hawaiʻi. Shared milk may be fresh, refrigerated, or frozen, but it is not pasteurized or lab-tested, so there is a risk of virus or bacteria transmission.

We recommend following informed milk sharing guidelines.

We do not recommend milk sharing for premature or medically fragile infants.
Why We Don’t Recommend Buying Milk Online

Studies have found risks with purchased milk from unregulated sources:
74% of samples contained harmful bacteria
21% tested positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV)
10% showed traces of cow’s milk or formula
For medically necessary donor milk, ask your pediatrician for a prescription and purchase from a non-profit milk bank like Mothers' Milk Bank of San Jose.
Community Sharing Platforms

Share your breast milk directly with local families through trusted community-based platforms. Consider donating through:
Human Milk 4 Human Babies – Hawaiʻi
Eats on Feets Hawaiʻi
Please include your island and area when posting.

Find a Milk Bank Near You

Learn about our Lactation Fast Pass pilot!

The Fast Pass Pilot aims to demonstrate the significant benefits of well-timed no-cost clinical lactation care for parents experiencing breastfeeding challenges. This demonstration project offers HMSA Medquest participants on neighbor islands a "Fast Pass" for two no-cost lactation visits with a participating IBCLC.

Reserve your spot now—space is limited!

- Families with HMSA Quest
- Resident of Hawaii Island, Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i, or Kaua'i
- Experiencing a current Breast/ Chest Feeding difficulty
- Two (2) no-cost lactation support visits with participating IBCLC providers in your area.
- Visits may be Home visits, in-office, or virtual with a participating International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
View Participating Partners
Complete our online inquiry form below, space is limited!

Contact Us

Breastfeeding Education

Featured

Latching & Positioning, Feeding Methods

Cross-Cradle Position

Latching & Positioning, Feeding Methods

The Cross Cradle position is often used in the early days of breastfeeding. It allows you to better support your baby’s head while they learn to latch. The video provides guidance on effective ways to initiate the Cross Cradle position.

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Latching & Positioning, Feeding Methods

Education & Training, Latching & Positioning, Baby Feeding Issues, Skin-to-Skin & Newborn Care

How Health Workers Can Support a Breastfeeding Mother

Education & Training, Latching & Positioning, Baby Feeding Issues, Skin-to-Skin & Newborn Care

Learn how health workers can observe, guide, and support breastfeeding mothers to prevent issues and promote successful feeding.

Breast Health, Education & Training

Lymphatic Massage for the Breast During Pregnancy and Lactation

Breast Health, Education & Training

Learn safe lymphatic massage techniques to support breast health, reduce engorgement, and promote comfort during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Breast Health, Education & Training

Latching & Positioning, Skin-to-Skin & Newborn Care, Feeding Methods

Early Breastfeeding: First Hours After Birth

Latching & Positioning, Skin-to-Skin & Newborn Care, Feeding Methods

Learn how to support newborns in the first hours after birth, including instinctive attachment, early feeding, and successful breastfeeding initiation.