We very much encourage every mother to breastfeed her baby. Breastmilk provides excellent nutrition for your child, has many health benefits, and is good for the mother too! You may want to spend the time to read or learn about the basics of breastfeeding before you have your baby. Consider taking a class, do some research on the Internet, read books and talk to friends who have enjoyed breastfeeding their children! 

We're Baby-Friendly

In April 2006, UCSD Medical Center earned prestigious recognition as a Baby-Friendly birth facility. The distinction, awarded by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and the United Nations Children's Fund,  recognizes birth facilities that actively encourage breastfeeding as the primary source of newborn nutrition.

Our staff is trained about breastfeeding, and helps all mothers who want to breastfeed to be successful. Additionally, UCSD Medical Center does not accept free formula from baby formula companies, but rather purchases it for infants who are not breastfed, have special medical conditions or need additional supplementation. 

Getting Started

One of the very best ways to get a good start with breastfeeding is to start right after birth. We encourage all mothers to hold their babies skin-to-skin right after delivery if they are stable, and allow them to nurse in that first hour when they are very alert. It is also important that healthy babies not receive bottles, formula, or pacifiers in the beginning, so they learn how to breastfeed and help the mother to have a good milk supply. 

Once mother and baby are on the post-partum unit, they will stay together unless the baby needs to have a test or procedure. There is no “nursery” where babies stay apart from their mothers.  Studies have shown that babies that stay with their mothers and nurse frequently get off to the best start. You may want to arrange to have your partner, family member or a friend stay with you to help care for you and your baby.

The UCSD Lactation Service includes:

• Prenatal consultations
• Postpartum personal instruction
• Assistance with special-needs babies
• Assistance with breastfeeding with multiple births, premature births
• Drugs and breastfeeding information
• Outpatient appointments