Our Resource page connects families, healthcare providers, and researchers to trusted information and support on human milk, breastfeeding, and perinatal health. These resources include evidence-based guidance on safe medication use during pregnancy and lactation, donor milk and milk banking programs, breastfeeding support networks, and mental health services for parents. Many resources are developed or supported by the UC San Diego Center for Better Beginnings and our partner organizations, ensuring research-backed, accessible information for families and professionals alike.
Our Progam Spotlight
UC San Diego Center for Better Beginnings
The Center for Better Beginnings at UC San Diego is a leading institution dedicated to advancing maternal and child health through research, clinical care, and education. Established in 1974 as part of the Department of Pediatrics, the Center focuses on identifying, preventing, and treating birth defects caused by environmental factors such as medications, infections, and substances like alcohol. In addition to housing Mommy’s Milk, the Center is also home to the MotherToBaby Pregnancy Studies — our counter part examining exposures during pregnancy, as well as the regional network for:
MotherToBaby
MotherToBaby, a service of the non-profit OTIS Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, is the nation’s leading authority on evidence-based information about the use of medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They provide several resources focused on answering questions about the safety/risk of a wide variety of exposures during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Their resources, all of which are available at no-cost, include:
- A teratogen information service for those who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, their family members, health professionals, and the general public. The service is available via chat, text, phone, and email in both English and Spanish.
- An ever-expanding library of English- and Spanish-language Fact Sheets that answer frequently asked questions about many common exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including medications, recreational substances, cosmetic treatments, health conditions, infections, vaccines, and more. MotherToBaby Fact Sheets provide up-to-date summaries on a given exposure to determine safety/risk to a pregnancy and to a milk-fed infant.
- The Baby Blog and the MotherToBaby Podcast, which address hot topics related to pregnancy and breastfeeding exposures.
LactRx App
LactRx by MotherToBaby is a free app that provides current information on the use of medications, vaccines, diagnostic agents, drugs of misuse, and more while breastfeeding. The app receives monthly updates from the National Library of Medicine’s LactMed® database, allowing up-to-date information to be shared with app users. It is designed for use by lactating individuals as well as clinicians and health professionals.
The LactRX app was developed and is supported by the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, which also provides the no-cost MotherToBaby teratogen information service. The app ensures that LactMed® data is at the fingertips of lactating moms and health providers who are on the go.
Human Milk Banking
Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)
HMBANA is a nonprofit organization that supports safe, nonprofit milk banking across the U.S. and Canada. They set evidence-based standards, accredit member milk banks, and make sure donor milk is collected, processed, and distributed safely to babies who need it most. HMBANA works to make donor milk a standard of care for all infants, so every baby has access to this lifesaving resource—no matter what.
SPIN-PINC Program at UC San Diego
The Supporting Premature Infant Nutrition (SPIN) program and its follow-up clinic, the Premature Infant Nutrition Clinic (PINC), are pioneering initiatives that center human milk in the care of preterm infants. SPIN enhances in-hospital nutrition by educating healthcare teams and families on the critical role of mothers’ own milk for premature infants. PINC, established in 2008 as the first of its kind in the U.S., provides consultative services to families post-discharge, focusing on direct breastfeeding, milk supply optimization, and monitoring infant growth and nutrition. Together, these programs have supported over 1,300 families, offering clinical education for pediatric residents and serving as a model for integrating human milk-centered care in neonatal and pediatric settings.
UC Health Milk Bank
UC Health Milk Bank is a nonprofit, hospital-based milk bank dedicated to helping fragile and premature babies thrive. They provide safe, pasteurized donor human milk to infants in need, following strict safety and quality guidelines set by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). The milk bank is a trusted partner for NICUs and families when a mother’s own milk isn’t available—and you can even donate to help support these tiny babies on their journey.
Breastfeeding Support
Baby Café USA
Baby Café USA is a network of free, drop-in breastfeeding support groups that help parents succeed with breastfeeding. Each Baby Café is led by certified lactation consultants and trained volunteers, offering guidance, practical tips, and a welcoming community. It’s a trusted place for new parents to get personalized support, overcome challenges, build confidence, and connect with others.
BreastfeedLA
BreastfeedLA is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of infants and families through education, outreach, and advocacy. They offer a range of services, including private lactation consultations, prenatal breastfeeding education (both private and group classes), and weekly breastfeeding support groups. Additionally, BreastfeedLA provides a comprehensive 45-hour Lactation Education Program designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to support breastfeeding families effectively. Their work also extends to policy advocacy, workplace lactation accommodations, and community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting and supporting breastfeeding across diverse populations.
California Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC)
CBC is a statewide organization committed to enhancing the health and well-being of Californians by promoting, protecting, and supporting lactation and human milk feeding. Comprised of community coalitions, public health agencies, and private partners, CBC serves as a vital resource for local initiatives, employers, and healthcare providers across the state. Their efforts encompass a wide range of programs, including the CBC Learn Education Series for healthcare professionals, advocacy for lactation rights, and support for breastfeeding in the workplace. Additionally, CBC organizes the annual California Breastfeeding Summit, bringing together stakeholders to share knowledge and strategies for improving breastfeeding outcomes statewide.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH offers a comprehensive suite of evidence-based tools to assist healthcare providers in supporting breastfeeding families. Resources include the WIC Breastfeeding Pocket Guide, guidelines for implementing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, and data on hospital breastfeeding rates. These materials are designed to enhance clinical practice and promote optimal infant feeding outcomes across California.
La Leche League International (LLLI)
La Leche League International (LLLI) is a global nonprofit that provides free, peer-led breastfeeding support. Through local meetings, phone consultations, and online forums, LLLI connects parents with experienced volunteers who offer guidance, encouragement, and practical tips to help make breastfeeding a positive experience.
Mamava
Mamava supports lactating parents with safe, clean, and accessible lactation spaces. Their network of lactation pods, paired with the Mamava app, helps parents easily locate nearby pumping and nursing locations in public spaces, workplaces, and airports making breastfeeding and pumping more convenient and stress-free.
March of Dimes
March of Dimes is a national nonprofit working to keep moms and babies healthy. They focus on preventing birth defects, premature birth, and maternal health complications, while providing families with helpful resources and support throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Parents can access free educational materials, online communities, and local programs to guide them through pregnancy and newborn care.
Office on Women’s Health: Breastfeeding Resources
The Office on Women’s Health offer a comprehensive suite of resources to support healthcare providers in assisting breastfeeding families. These materials include evidence-based guidelines, educational tools, and strategies for addressing common breastfeeding challenges. Healthcare professionals can access information on topics such as establishing a good latch, managing milk supply, and supporting breastfeeding in various settings, including at home and in the workplace. Additionally, resources like “Your Guide to Breastfeeding” and “It’s Only Natural” provide culturally tailored information to engage diverse communities.
San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition (SDCBC)
SDCBC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving community health by protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding through education, outreach, advocacy, and service. They collaborate with healthcare providers, agencies, organizations, individuals, families, and other breastfeeding advocates to make breastfeeding attainable for all families in San Diego and Imperial Counties. SDCBC offers resources such as the Breastfeeding Resource Guide, free support groups, and multilingual lactation education to empower families and professionals.
Professional Resources
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM)
ABM is a nonprofit organization providing evidence-based clinical protocols and guidelines for healthcare providers on breastfeeding management and human milk use. It’s a trusted resource for hospitals and clinicians, helping ensure parents and infants receive the best possible lactation care.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
The AAP offers a comprehensive collection of evidence-based resources to support healthcare providers in promoting and managing breastfeeding. These tools include guidelines on emergency infant feeding, strategies for supporting breastfeeding in disasters, and best practices for integrating breastfeeding support into clinical settings. They are essential for clinicians aiming to enhance care for breastfeeding families.
InfantRisk Center
InfantRisk Center is dedicated to improving the health of infants by providing evidence-based information on the safety of medications, vaccines, and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It’s a trusted resource for healthcare providers and families, helping parents make informed decisions to protect their babies’ health through access of their free resources and expert support to answer questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
NEC Society
The NEC Society is a nonprofit organization working to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease that affects fragile newborns. They bring together families, doctors, and researchers to raise awareness, support affected families, and fund research to find better treatments and prevention. They also offer resources, community connections, and events to educate and empower families.
UC San Diego Extended Studies – Lactation & Perinatal Education
UC San Diego Extended Studies offers a variety of programs designed to educate and support professionals working with breastfeeding parents and infants. Courses cover clinical lactation skills, perinatal education, and continuing education for nurses, midwives, doulas, and lactation counselors. These programs help healthcare providers and support professionals enhance their knowledge, improve care, and better support families throughout pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.
U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC)
USBC is a national coalition of approximately 140 organizational members, including nonprofits, breastfeeding coalitions, and federal agencies, working collaboratively to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and human milk feeding across the United States. As a backbone institution, the USBC employs an equity-centered collective impact approach to manage multi-sectoral collaborations, known as constellations, that address key areas such as workplace support, lactation support providers, and infant and young child feeding in emergencies. Healthcare professionals can benefit from USBC’s resources, including policy updates, legislative advocacy tools, and educational materials, to enhance their practice and support families in achieving their breastfeeding goals.
Post-Partum and Mental Health Resources
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is here for families experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety challenges, like depression or anxiety after birth. They offer a 24/7 helpline, peer mentor programs, online support groups, and local coordinators, providing caring, accessible support to families anywhere in the world.
Postpartum Health Alliance (PHA)
The Postpartum Health Alliance (PHA) is a San Diego-based nonprofit committed to raising awareness, providing education, and offering support for individuals experiencing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). They operate a warmline where trained volunteers provide assistance, and they maintain a directory of local providers specializing in perinatal mental health. PHA also offers educational resources and training for both parents and professionals to enhance understanding and support for PMADs.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential support 24/7 for expecting and new parents facing emotional or mental health challenges. Trained counselors are available by call or text in English and Spanish, with interpreter services in over 60 other languages. Parents can reach out anytime at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for help, guidance, and a listening ear.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI provides valuable information on recognizing signs of postpartum mental health conditions. The guide emphasizes the importance of seeking help without shame and offers strategies for safeguarding mental health during this tender stage. It also provides guidance on recognizing signs that you may need help and strategies for safeguarding your mental health during this tender stage. The resource encourages parents to address these challenges with self-compassion, not shame, to nurture their mental health and embrace the joy of new parenthood
