Knox County Tennessee

Breastfeeding Support

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Community Breastfeeding Resources Guide

This guide for mothers lists resources for breastfeeding consultations, prenatal breastfeeding classes, breastfeeding support groups, regional WIC breastfeeding peer counselor services and breast pump rentals. Click here ( Español ) to view online.

Breastfeeding Welcomed Here Business Pledge

Due to the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, babies and the broader community, the Knox County Health Department is encouraging businesses to sign the Breastfeeding Welcomed Here pledge. Tennessee law protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in any location, public or private, where she and her child are otherwise allowed to be. The pledge recognizes organizations who commit to training staff about welcoming breastfeeding mothers and providing a breastfeeding-friendly environment to employees and guests. Click here to learn more.

Breastfeeding Lessons

*These videos were produced in partnership with Knox County Health Department and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee with support from the University of Tennessee Department of Nutrition.
Before watching each video, please help us out by answering a few questions, here.

After each video, please click the link underneath to answer a few questions.

1st Trimester: Introduction to Breastfeeding


Post Assessment for Lesson 1

2nd Trimester: Latching, Pumping, and Building Support

Post Assessment for Lesson 2

3rd Trimester & Postpartum Week 1

Post Assessment for Lesson 3

Postpartum Week 1 - 4

Post Assessment for Lesson 4

Postpartum Month 1

Post Assessment for Lesson 5

Postpartum Week 6

Post Assessment for Lesson 6

The Breastfeeding Lessons are also available in Spanish, click here to view

Getting Pumped!

Breastfeeding support in the workplace is essential to help mothers continue breastfeeding once they return to work. We have produced the following interactive modules, which guide businesses in providing a supportive, safe, clean environment for mothers to breastfeed. The modules also help moms make informed decisions on how to prepare to breastfeed once they return to work.

(When viewing the modules, it is best to use a desk top computer or laptop, rather than a mobile device.)

Breastfeeding Support Group

The Knox Breastfriends Group is a support group for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Come join the group for songs, smiles and light snacks as breastfeeding mothers support each other through discussion, special speakers and lively conversation concerning breastfeeding topics. Older children are welcome, with supervision, along with the very small participants!

To join the Knox Breastfriends Facebook page, send a Facebook message to Sarah Peer Counselor or Laura Peer Counselor requesting to be added to the group. After doing so, you will receive a “friend request” from one of the counselors. Once you accept that request, you will be added to the page.

For more information about the group, click here or you can contact Robin Penegar, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator, at 865-215-5060.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Education and Counseling Toolkit

Prenatal breastfeeding education and counseling cannot only increase breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity, but can also help women and their families make informed infant feeding decisions. This Prenatal Breastfeeding Education and Counseling Toolkit is intended to serve as a guide when educating and counseling patients about breastfeeding and can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse populations. The resources in this toolkit can be used during preconception, prenatal and postpartum care to counsel patients who may have varying beliefs, opinions and intentions regarding infant feeding. Click here for the toolkit.


Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline: 1-855-4BF-MOMS (1-855-423-6667)
Launched by the Tennessee Department of Health, this hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certificated Lactation Counselors. The hotline provides accurate, up-to-date information at any time of day or night to address common questions and concerns about breastfeeding. Click here for more information.


Need to report a public
health emergency?

Call 865-215-5093

Have Questions? Call: (865) 215-5555 Email: Health@knoxcounty.org

On the first Wednesday of every month, all KCHD offices and clinics are closed in the morning for staff in-service. On these days, the main location (140 Dameron Ave.) will open at 11 a.m. and the West Clinic (1028 Old Cedar Bluff) will open at 11:30 a.m.

Clinics will also open at 10:30 a.m. (Main location) and 11 a.m. (West Clinic) on the following Wednesdays: April 17 and July 17. All other offices will open at 8 a.m.