Breastfeeding Support

Have a newborn baby or expecting a baby? We are here to help! 

The Community and Nursing Services Division’s Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) and Nutrition Services Program supports efforts to make breastfeeding the main method of infant feeding and nutrition for at least the first six months of life. Breast milk offers the most complete form of nutrition for infants, with a range of benefits for their health, growth, immunity, and development. 

Why breastfeed?  

Breastfeeding is healthy for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding creates a nurturing bond between them. Breast milk provides antibodies from the mom that can protect the baby from many illnesses and prevent allergies.  

For both mom and baby, breastfeeding can decrease the risk of diabetes and some cancers, and it helps prevent obesity. For moms, breastfeeding also reduces the risk of postpartum depression and later, osteoporosis. Breastfeeding can also save the family money. 

How long should I breastfeed?  

Breast milk is the only food that most babies need for their first 6 months. Slowly start adding solids at 6 months of age but continue breastfeeding for the first year (or longer). Breastfeeding takes practice, but it is worth it for you and your baby. 

Additional information links are located below:  

Information for Families – helplines and support 

• Orange County Breastfeeding Resources
• Breastfeeding Tips
• Prenatal Guide to Breastfeeding Booklet (English)
• Prenatal Guide to Breastfeeding Booklet (Spanish)
• Prenatal Guide to Breastfeeding Booklet (Vietnamese) 

Services for WIC Participants & Partners 

• Breastfeeding Helpline (714) 834-8363 

For assistance with WIC materials, client referral, or information on collaborative opportunities, please call Nicole Westbrook (714)347-4512, 1 (888) 968-7942 or 1 (888) YOUR-WIC. 

Information for Professionals and Hospitals

• Baby-Friendly USA
• Orange County Breastfeeding Resources
• Breastfeeding Tips 
• Prenatal Guide to Breastfeeding Booklet (English)
• Prenatal Guide to Breastfeeding Booklet (Spanish)
• Prenatal Guide to Breastfeeding Booklet (Vietnamese) 

Maternal & Infant Care Provider Breastfeeding Promotion Resources 

Infant Care Provider Resources: 

• Infant Risk Center Mobile App (Available on Apple App Store and Google Play) 
• Maternal Medications and Breastfeeding:
  - Infant Risk Center
  - LactMed
  - Mommy Meds
• Orange County Referral Resources
• Parent Breastfeeding App
• Storing and Preparing Human Milk 

Maternal Care Provider Resources: 

• ACOG Committee Opinion on Breastfeeding
• ACOG Recommendations for Breastfeeding
• Hand Expression of Breastmilk 

Breastfeeding Statistics 

• Breastfeeding Statistics
• Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition
• Breastfeeding Recommendations (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
• Breastfeeding (WomensHealth.gov)
• Breastfeeding (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
• Breastfeeding Program (CA.gov)
• La Leche League 

For more information, call the Health Referral Line 
(800) 564-8448 
TDD (phone for the hearing impaired)  
(800) 801-7100 

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding -- Information about Coronavirus Disease 2019
• California Hospitals Breastfeeding Rates Report and County Fact Sheets
• World Breastfeeding Week: Understanding the Past-Planning the Future
• American Academy of Pediatrics 2012 “Policy on Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk