LA County Public Health - Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services recognizes the importance of breastfeeding in promoting women and children’s health in Los Angeles County. The mission of the Breastfeeding Support Program is to support, educate, and create positive changes surrounding breastfeeding and lactation services in Los Angeles County.

Breastfeeding is the most complete form of infant nutrition. Breastmilk contains crucial antibacterial, antiviral, and antiallergenic factors that naturally boost a baby’s immune system after birth. Studies have shown that infants who are breastfed exclusively are at decreased risk for ear infections, respiratory infections, diarrhea, bacterial infections, allergies, asthma, and childhood obesity than infants who are formula fed. For these reasons and more, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

Program Factsheet

Current Breastfeeding Support Programs

Employee Lactation Accommodation Rooms
Welcome Baby Packages
Breastfeeding Education

Breastfeeding Awareness Month
Employee Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Project

Breastfeeding Resources and Links for Parents

National Women's Health Information Center Breastfeeding Homepage - A project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health
Breastfeeding Taskforce of Greater Los Angeles - Dedicated to improving the health and well being of infants and families through education, outreach, and advocacy to promote and support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Resources and Links for Professionals

California Department of Health Services Breastfeeding Program - Reports and publications including hospital breastfeeding statistical tables by county.
Ad Council National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign - Download "Baby's were born to be breastfed" Public Service Announcement video/audio clips and print ads.
Breastfeeding Pharmacology - Breastfeeding and medications forum, hosted by Dr. Thomas Hale, R.Ph., Ph.D., International registry for lactation research.
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) - Worldwide organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations on Breastfeeding for Healthy Term Infants (PDF File)

MCAH Programs