Breastfeeding Resources and Support

At Mothers’ Milk Bank California, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and resources to breastfeeding mothers and their families. We understand the challenges that can come with breastfeeding and are here to help you navigate them every step of the way. We offer vital support for families in need of donor breast milk, ensuring every baby has access to the best possible nutrition.

Breastfeeding Resources

Find a breastfeeding counselor near you!

Find Support Here

Educational Materials

View resources from Lactation Training Resources that follows the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) blueprint.

  1. How to breastfeed
  2. Storage and handling of breastmilk
  3. Painful nipples
  4. How to increase milk supply
  5. How to use breast pump for donations
  6. Hand expression and what is it?
  7. Preventing painful breasts
  8. What does healthy and unhealthy breastmilk look like?
  9. When to call a lactation consultant

FAQs: Answers to common breastfeeding questions and concerns.

Breast Milk Importance

According to John Hopkins Medicine, breast milk is the perfect food for your baby since it is gentle on your baby’s developing stomach, intestines, and other body systems.

Only breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life is best for your baby. This is called “exclusive” breastfeeding. Breastmilk can be expressed and fed to your baby in a bottle, as needed.

You should not give your baby water, sugar water, formula, or solids during his or her first 6 months. The only exception to this is when your baby’s healthcare provider tells you to.

Benefits of Breast Milk
  • Compared to alternative sources for baby’s milk, the nutrients in breastmilk are better absorbed and used by your baby. These include sugar (carbohydrate) and protein.
  • Breastmilk has the nutrients that are best for your baby’s brain growth and nervous system development. Studies of breastfed babies have found that they do better on intelligence tests when they grow older (Isaacs et al., 2011).

  • A breastfed baby’s eyes also work better. This is mostly because of certain types of fat in breastmilk.

  • Breast milk has many disease-fighting factors. They help prevent mild to severe infections and hospitalization.

  • Breastfed babies have far fewer digestive, lung, and ear infections.

  • Babies born early (premature) who are breastfed are also less likely to get a serious infection of the intestines called NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis).

  • If your baby gets an infection when breastfeeding, the infection is likely to be less severe.

  • A lower risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) than babies who are not breastfed.
  • A lower risk of getting asthma and skin problems related to allergies. Formula-fed babies are more likely to have milk allergies.
  • Less diarrhea and a lowered chance of getting some digestive conditions. Formula can actually change healthy bacteria in a baby’s intestines. The bacteria help with digestion and fighting disease.
  • A lower risk of developing leukemia.
  • Fewer long-term health problems as they grow up. These include diabetes and obesity.

  • Your baby has certain health problems. Breastmilk only is usually recommended, but you may need to add formula or other liquids. For example, your baby may need this if he or she has low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or loss of body fluids (dehydration).

  • You have or have had certain health problems. There are few reasons why you should not breastfeed your baby. Some infections can be passed through your breastmilk. Also, women taking certain medicines or using drugs or alcohol should not breastfeed.

Community Partnerships

We collaborate with a network of community partners, including the California Breastfeeding Coalition, Breastfeed LA, WIC and others to ensure that you have access to a wide range of resources and support services.

Donor Breast Milk Support

If you are unable to breastfeed or need supplemental milk for your baby, donor breast milk can be a lifesaving option. Here’s what to do if your baby needs donor breast milk:

Steps to Obtain Donor Breast Milk

  • Contact Mothers’ Milk Bank California: Reach out to us to discuss your needs and begin the process of obtaining donor breast milk. Our team will guide you through the steps and answer any questions you may have.
  • Provide Required Information: You will need to provide some information, including your baby’s medical history. Let’s begin by filling out this form. 
  • Milk Distribution: Once approved, we will coordinate the distribution of donor breast milk to ensure your baby receives the nutrition they need. Our milk is pasteurized and screened to ensure safety and quality.

For more information on breastfeeding resources and obtaining donor breast milk, please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 877-375-6645

Supporting families, one drop at a time!