UCSF Breastfeeding Resources
Sign up for 2023 classes, now published!
The UCSF Women's Health Resource Center provides breastfeeding resources to support a women's decision to breastfeed.
Breast milk is the ideal food for all babies. It satisfies complete nutritional needs for the first 6 months of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk as the ideal food for the first year of life. Breast milk contains substances that help fight infection and is especially beneficial for premature babies and infants with a strong family history of allergy. We encourage you to consider breastfeeding.
View trimester-based informational videos featuring our UCSF Outpatient Lactation Consultants.
Preparation for breastfeeding
Our UCSF Lactation Program
- Great Expectations Breastfeeding classes. Held via Zoom currently
- MILK-Mother & Infant Lactation Kooperative Support group. Held via Zoom currently
- UCSF Outpatient Lactation Clinic
- UCSF Employee Lactation Accommodation Program and workshops
- Breast pump rentals
- Watch trimester-based informational videos
- Non-UC Community Breastfeeding Resources list
UCSF Women’s Health Resource Center
Mission Bay: 1855 4th Street, Suite A3471, San Francisco, (415) 514-2670
We offer breastfeeding classes where moms can learn about breastfeeding and gain practical tips for returning to work. Highly recommended. Lactation supplies, including nursing bras, pillows, breast pumps for sale or rent. We also have a bookstore and small lending library (Mt. Zion only).
UCSF resources after you leave the hospital
UCSF Center for Mothers and Newborns
The postpartum nurses are trained in breastfeeding and manage lactation concerns for the majority of new mothers. If special breastfeeding needs or concerns arise, a board-certified lactation consultant is available to provide additional support.
After your baby’s birth, enjoy the convenience of Great Expectations’ continuum of educational support services delivered right to your hospital room. Notify your nurse if you need resources during your stay or call Great Expectations for more information (415) 514-2670.
UCSF Women’s Health Obstetrics Services
(415) 353-2566
Registered nurses with breastfeeding and postpartum knowledge are available to answer breastfeeding questions or concerns via the telephone,
Monday-Friday: 8:00am–5:00pm.
The lactation clinic is available at both Mount Zion and Mission Bay locations. Appointments are made for a one-on-one visit with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Initial appointments are 60-90 minutes and follow-ups are 45 minutes.
UCSF Outpatient Lactation Clinic
Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mission Bay
1825 4th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158
Monday-Friday
Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mt. Zion
2356 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Monday-Friday
Consultations
MILK (Mother & Infant Lactation Kooperative) Support Group
MILK is a FREE weekly breastfeeding and mother support group. Moms and babies ranging in age from newborn to six months old are welcome. Share your experiences and learn how other mothers are adjusting to the demands of motherhood.
Get your questions answered with evidence-based lactation information.
MILK is offering Zoom sessions led by our board certified lactation consultants. Registration required. Space is limited.
Tuesdays 1:30-3:00 pm
Currently held over Zoom
Fridays 10:00-11:30 am
Currently held over Zoom
To register call (415) 514-2670 or visit our member portal.
“Before attending the group, all I knew is that I wanted to breastfeed...I came for the first time with my 5-day old baby and attending the group not only increased my confidence in breastfeeding, but transformed my transition into motherhood.”
MILK participant
National Breastfeeding Month Celebration 2022
Four webinars organized by UCSF Lactation Task Force subcommittee and sponsored by the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health. These webinars were originally organized by the Alameda Breastfeeding Coalition and WIC. Webinars are 1 hour with live Q&A session with the scheduled speaker. Upcoming schedule and speakers are as follows:
Week 1 | Pacific Islanders and Breastfeeding with Ruta Aiono | August 4, 3:30pm-5pm | View event pdf
Week 2 | Latinx/Chicanas and Breastfeeding with Tina Benitez | August 8, 3:30-5:00pm | View event pdf
SF Pop-up Village | August 13, 1:00-4:30pm | View event pdf
Week 3 | American East Asians and Breastfeeding with Tonya Lang and Grace Yee | August 17, 3:00-5:00pm
Week 4 | African-Americans and Breastfeeding with Brandi Gates | August 31, 3-4:30
National Breastfeeding Month Celebration 2021
Immune Response During Lactation after COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination: August 2, 2021 recording
Sponsored by UCSF Obstetrics & Gynecology, UCSF Women's Health Resource Center, UCSF Family Services, UCSF Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences
Nursing Grand Rounds: August 25, 2021 event recording | Black Breastfeeding Week celebration: August 31, 2021 recording
Find out more at worldbreastfeedingweek.org
National Breastfeeding Month Celebration 2019
As part of World Breastfeeding Week, ABC7 featured our very own Renee Tavares, RD, IBCLC. Renee spoke on the benefits of breastfeeding with ABC news anchor Ama Daetz and support services here at the UCSF Women's Health Resource Center.
Select the the links or view video segment here.
Video 1: https://abc7ne.ws/2YTRBk6
Video 2: https://abc7ne.ws/2H6oV1r
Video 3: https://abc7ne.ws/2H3ODTW
Our 2019 sponsors: UCSF Family Services’ Lactation Accommodation Program and UCSF Women’s Health Resource Center.
This year's celebration & focus was both on World Breastfeeding Week and Black Breastfeeding Week.
A special THANK YOU to our Lactation consultants and all they do for patients (UCSF's IBCLC's)!