COVID-19 update: We know that our patients and their families have questions related to care during this time. Please see
Maternity Care and COVID-19 FAQs for the latest updates.
Our hospitals are committed to supporting families who choose to breastfeed. We combine the unique skills of physicians, nurse practitioners, certified lactation consultants and lactation educators. 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.
Services provided by our lactation experts include:
UC San Diego Health does not accept free formula from baby formula companies. Instead, we purchase it for infants who are not breastfed, have special medical conditions or need additional supplementation. We also can provide donor breast milk to postpartum moms who need to supplement their breast milk supply.
UC Milk Bank
We partner with the UC Health Milk Bank to accept donations of breast milk for hospitalized or fragile children who need it. The non-profit milk bank accepts donated frozen breast milk and processes it to feed sick, premature or young infants when their mother lacks sufficient milk supply for their nutritional needs.
Call 858-249-MILK (6455) for more information.
Breast Pump Rentals
Patients and community members can rent hospital-grade breast pumps and buy breastfeeding supplies at our hospital gift shops.