Breastfeeding and Lactation
Breastfeeding benefits both you and your baby. We help you become comfortable with caring for your little one.
Medically reviewed by Adrienne Hoyt-Austin, D.O. on April 15, 2026.
Experts in Breastfeeding and Lactation
Breastfeeding is when mothers feed their babies milk directly from their breasts. New mothers produce milk (lactation) in the mammary glands of their breasts during and after pregnancy.
Sometimes lactation or breastfeeding can be difficult. At UC Davis Health, our compassionate registered nurses specialize in offering you lactation and breastfeeding support. We’ve been recognized as a Baby-Friendly Hospital for upholding the highest standards of infant feeding care. With our specially trained registered nurses, you get understanding support and advice to help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
On this page
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby. It can lower your child’s risk of:
- Asthma
- Childhood leukemia
- Childhood obesity
- Diarrhea and vomiting (lower respiratory illnesses)
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NE), a life-threatening gastrointestinal illness in premature babies
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Breastfeeding can also lower your risk of:
Support for Breastfeeding and Lactation
Breastfeeding can be challenging for many reasons in the weeks right after birth, including:
- Latching difficulties
- Nipple pain
- Perceived low milk supply
- Swelling of your breasts (breast engorgement)
After several weeks, new moms can encounter other challenges with breastfeeding, which include:
- Breast inflammation (mastitis)
- Flat, inverted or large nipples
- Fungal infections
- Low milk supply or oversupply of milk (hyperlactation)
- Plugged milk ducts
Breastfeeding and lactation support can help you overcome these and other challenges. We offer specific tips to help make breastfeeding comfortable and successful for you and your baby, as part of the complete care we provide around your pregnancy and first days of motherhood.
Bonding Time
Skin-to-skin contact with your baby immediately after delivery is important. For the first hour after birth, we strive to give you uninterrupted time to start bonding with your baby and begin breastfeeding if you choose to.
Breastfeeding Support
Our perinatal nurses have training to help your breastfeeding needs. They understand conditions which may affect breastfeeding, including if you had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). We also offer in-person and online breastfeeding classes and breastfeeding support groups.
C-Section Recovery Support
Our enhanced recovery program focuses on helping you heal and feel better faster. We help resume your usual daily activities sooner, including taking care of your baby.
Home Nursing Support
We encourage new moms to ask us for help. After you go home, you can speak with a registered UC Davis nurse for advice and guidance on infant care. We also see you for up to six weeks after birth (postpartum) as needed for maternal concerns.
Planning and Education Support
We offer maternity classes to help you prepare to welcome your newborn. Our classes cover childbirth and breastfeeding, along with other baby-care planning and educational topics.
Tongue-Tie Evaluation and Repair
We hold tongue-tie clinics every month for tongue-tie, a condition your baby may have that can make it hard to breast feed. Our pediatric otolaryngologist and feeding therapist assess your child’s tongue. We offer procedures to treat tongue-tie, if needed.
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What to Expect While Breastfeeding
Before you give birth, let your care team know that you’d like to breastfeed your baby. We will create a supportive environment for you to try breastfeeding for the first time. Also, consider taking a breastfeeding class during pregnancy, so you know what to expect. Let us know about any medications or supplements you take or any breast injuries or surgeries you have had. We can evaluate whether these may affect your milk supply or quality.
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First Time Breastfeeding
You can cuddle with your baby skin-to-skin after giving birth and then begin to try breastfeeding. Our registered nurses will give you tips and support if you need any help with positioning or finding a good latch for your baby. You can keep your baby with you in your hospital room during the day and at night so you’re able to breastfeed when needed.
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Breastfeeding At Home
You can also prepare by buying nursing bras, covers and pillows to help keep you more comfortable during breastfeeding. During the first few weeks, it may take some time to figure out which positions work best for your and your baby. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help or with questions.
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Follow Your Baby’s Lead
Let your baby breastfeed as often as they want and as long as they want. Your baby may breastfeed eight to 12 times over 24 hours, including nighttime. Some babies may feed from one breast and some from both breasts during a feeding. Continue to follow your baby’s lead. If you need to be away from your baby, you can hand express or pump the milk and store it.
Home Care
When you breastfeed, you need extra nutrition and should stay hydrated with lots of water. There are a few things you should be aware of while breastfeeding.
Avoid Certain Medications
Some medications are not compatible with breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking medication or supplements.
Avoid Smoking or Vaping
Smoking or vaping tobacco or marijuana may affect your breast milk and your baby’s health.
Limit Alcohol
It’s best that you avoid alcohol while breastfeeding altogether. To be safe, mothers should wait at least two hours after having a drink before breastfeeding.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in aortic valve surgery, back surgery (spinal fusion), COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pacemaker implantation, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, cancer, orthopedics, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and urology.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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