Lactation Services
Valley Children's Hospital recognizes and supports breastfeeding as the ideal method of feeding and nurturing infants. Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) work collaboratively with the healthcare team to meet the lactation needs of our patients and their families. Our team provides support to more than 1,200 inpatient families a year. If you have a child who is admitted to the hospital, and they rely on breastmilk for nourishment, our experts are here to help.
Services
Lactation Support
Our lactation consultants specialize in the clinical management of breastfeeding and serve inpatient families with in-unit and phone consultations to meet their infant feeding goals. We provide breastfeeding education, assistance and support to breastfeeding women and healthcare team members. We work collaboratively with the healthcare team to assess and resolve breastfeeding issues moms may encounter.
Inpatient Pumps
Valley Children’s Hospital has double electric Medela Symphony breast pumps available for use. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has pump rooms and breast pumps available for bedside use. The Emergency Department (ED) and all inpatient units have mobile breast pumps for bedside use.
Did you know?
- A mother may need to pump if her child is too ill to breastfeed. Valley Children’s has double electric breast pumps, pump supplies and private pump stations that are available to parents of our patients throughout the hospital.
- Most insurances will cover the cost of a personal-use breast pump following delivery.
- Human milk is unique and tailor made to meet each child’s needs.
- In the NICU, Valley Children’s Hospital utilizes donor breast milk when a mother’s own breast milk is unavailable. Valley Children’s Hospital receives all donor milk from Mother’s Milk Bank in San Jose, CA. If you are interested in becoming a milk donor, please contact Mother’s Milk Bank at 1-877-375-6645.
The commitment to provide your child with breastmilk is rewarding, but parents may also experience challenges at times. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that there are community resources available:
If you are planning a hospital stay at Valley Children’s and would like more information, contact the Valley Children’s Lactation Team.
Contact Lactation Services:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(559) 353-5427
Safer Sleep for Your Baby
Valley Children’s Healthcare and the Guilds Center for Community Health are committed to identifying solutions that will create safer sleep environments for infants. Click here for more information, videos and downloadable content ready for sharing.