A Comprehensive Guide
Breastfeeding can be both a rewarding and challenging experience for new mothers. Fortunately, Los Angeles offers a variety of support groups and resources to assist mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the top resources available in the area, complete with contact information.
BreastfeedLA
BreastfeedLA is a key organization in Los Angeles dedicated to improving breastfeeding rates and supporting lactating parents. Formed in 1994 and incorporated as a non-profit in 2001, BreastfeedLA offers educational programs, advocacy, and community support. They emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to ensure that every parent has access to the resources they need to make informed feeding decisions.
- Website: BreastfeedLA
- Email: info@breastfeedla.org
- Phone: (213) 596-5776 (BreastfeedLA)
La Leche League of Los Angeles
La Leche League is a renowned organization offering peer support to breastfeeding mothers. In Los Angeles, they conduct regular meetings where mothers can share experiences and get advice from fellow mothers who have successfully breastfed their children. La Leche League also provides phone support from trained volunteers who can offer guidance on various breastfeeding issues.
- Website: La Leche League USA
- Find Local Meetings: LLL Meetings
- Email: Use the contact form on their website to find local leaders
- Phone: Contact local leaders via the meeting locator on their website (First 5 LA) (The Stronger Families Blog)
Welcome Baby Program
The Welcome Baby program, funded by First 5 LA, is a free and voluntary service providing comprehensive support to pregnant women and new mothers. The program includes in-hospital and home visits, offering lactation support among other services. This initiative aims to support mothers from pregnancy through the first nine months of their baby’s life, ensuring they have the information and resources needed for successful breastfeeding.
- Website: Welcome Baby
- Phone: (888) 559-9639 (First 5 LA)
CinnaMoms
CinnaMoms offers specialized support for Black/African-American mothers at several PHFE WIC Centers across Los Angeles County. These support groups provide a safe space to discuss breastfeeding challenges and other health-related topics unique to Black mothers, facilitated by Certified Lactation Educators. Locations include Bellflower, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Norwalk, Pomona, and South Los Angeles.
- Website: CinnaMoms
- Phone: Contact the PHFE WIC Centers for more information (The Stronger Families Blog)
Baby Café USA
Baby Café USA provides free, informal drop-in breastfeeding support groups staffed by professional lactation consultants. These groups meet weekly and offer ongoing support and intervention to breastfeeding mothers. Los Angeles hosts several Baby Café locations, ensuring accessibility to professional breastfeeding advice and peer support in a welcoming environment.
- Website: Baby Café USA
- Find a Café: Find a Baby Café
- Email: info@babycafeusa.org (Baby Café USA)
South LA Health Projects
South LA Health Projects offers a variety of breastfeeding support services, including peer coaching, educational resources, and a dedicated breastfeeding helpline. Their programs are designed to provide comprehensive support to mothers in the South Los Angeles area.
- Website: South LA Health Projects
- Phone: Breastfeeding Helpline – (323) 905-1248 (First 5 LA)
Breastfeeding support groups play a crucial role in helping new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding. Whether through peer support, professional lactation consultations, or comprehensive educational programs, these resources in Los Angeles offer invaluable assistance to ensure mothers and their babies thrive.
For more information and to find the support group that best meets your needs, visit the websites of these organizations or contact them directly. Breastfeeding can be a challenging journey, but with the right support, it can also be a deeply fulfilling one.
