Breastfeeding Support
Fresno County's first Baby-Friendly Hospital
We are proud to be Fresno County's first Baby-Friendly Hospital—and one of only 95 hospitals and birth centers in California to earn this distinction. Being "baby-friendly" means we have board-certified lactation consultants on staff who support all mothers by assuring they have the information needed to make an informed choice about how they feed their baby. No matter what decision she makes, every mom's choice is respected with evidence-based teaching.
To get this new chapter off to the best start, your nurses and care team will encourage you to practice skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding.
Exclusive breastfeeding
What you choose to feed your baby is one of the first important decisions you will make as a parent. Exclusive breastfeeding, the practice of avoiding the addition of formula or water to your baby’s diet and only feeding baby breastmilk, is encouraged during your hospital stay and beyond. Breastmilk gives your baby antibodies and immunities to help fight off infection and supplies essential nutrients not found in formula. It is also better on baby’s stomach – he or she will have fewer problems with spitting up and constipation. Other benefits of breastfeeding include less bleeding, a reduced risk of infections after birth and a decreased risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. Nurses will help teach you proper positioning, latching techniques, and feeding cues.
Información sobre lactancia materna exclusiva
Tips for successful breastfeeding
We are committed to delivering a successful and satisfying experience to all mothers who choose to breastfeed. We are joining Baby Friendly-USA in promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding through the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding for Hospitals. Click the buttons below to view information in English and Spanish:
Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
Diez Pasos para una Buena Lactancia
Telehealth Lactation Support
To support you and baby with breastfeeding, our International Board-Certified Lactation Specialists are available for follow-up after you return home using our new Telehealth option. Upon discharge, you will be provided lactation contact information and details explaining how to schedule a virtual appointment with our lactation team in case you need additional support while at home.
If you have any breastfeeding questions or concerns, please call to talk with one of our lactation specialists at (559) 450-5210.
Donating Breast Milk
In partnership with Mothers' Milk Bank California, we're giving our Valley’s tiniest infants the best start in life through the provision of human breast milk. If you or someone you know is interested in donating, call today to start the screening process. Every precious drop counts to help babies thrive during times of uncertainty. Simply follow these easy steps to see if you qualify:
- Get pre-screened. Call 1-877-375-6645 and select option 3 for donor services or click here to apply. Mention you are donating milk for the Central Valley Milk Drive.
- Complete donor packet. Once you've completed pre-screening, a donor packet will be mailed to you; complete this packet and return as soon as possible.
- Send in your milk. Upon approval, a cooler will be shipped to you via FedEx with instructions about how and where to send your milk. This service is paid for by Mothers' Milk Bank California.