Breast milk is the healthiest food you can give your baby. It provides all the nutrients, calories, and fluid your newborn needs for the first six months of life!

Breastfeeding:

  • Benefits your baby’s immune system and protects against disease and infection
  • May reduce the risk of childhood obesity
  • Helps prevent your baby from developing allergies
  • Lowers a mother’s stress level and helps her body recover from childbirth faster
  • Helps foster an emotional connection between mother and child

While any amount of breastfeeding benefits a baby, it is recommended that mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life.

Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in the first few days. Talk with your pediatrician or lactation consultant to discuss any question you have or any problems you may face along the way. You can also call Santa Clara County’s breastfeeding support line at 408. 885.5950 for more information and to be connected to local resources in your area.

Resources

Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding and find local breastfeeding support services near you.

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Working and Breastfeeding

The County of Santa Clara Lactation Accommodation Policy protects a woman’s choice to provide breast milk to her child by ensuring her right to express milk during work. It also protects her from discrimination from other staff. Both state and federal laws require employers to provide a reasonable amount of break time and a private location to express breast milk. For more information about returning to work and breastfeeding, please follow the link to learn more about mother-friendly breastfeeding worksites.

California Breastfeeding Coalition

The California Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC) is a grassroots coalition of community breastfeeding coalitions, as well as public and private partnerships that have broad reach within California’s communities. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of Californians by working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Their website also offers families information about breastfeeding rights at hospitals, work, in public, and more.

Breastfeeding Task Force of Santa Clara Valley

The Breastfeeding Task Force of Santa Clara Valley is a collaborative of local organizations, agencies, and individuals working together to promote maternal and infant health through breastfeeding. The Task Force meets bi-monthly, please visit Breast Feeding Task Force of Santa Clara Valley for more information and meeting dates.

Watch Our Breastfeeding Podcast

Upcoming Events

Black Breastfeeding Celebration
Joyce Ellington Branch Library
491 E Empire St
San Jose, CA 95112
Friday, August 31, 2018 / 11 AM – 2 PM
This event will feature a milk drive, breastfeeding tips, a presentation by Mothers’ Milk Bank, games and more! This event is in partnership with Black Infant Health of Santa Clara County and Roots Community Health Center. Mothers and babies welcome! For more information or to RSVP, please call (408) 490-4710.

Breastfeeding Awareness Events
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is hosting a series of breastfeeding awareness events throughout the county this month. Individuals are invited to learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding and get linked to breastfeeding resources. You can view the events here.