All in-person prenatal classes, hospital tours and outpatient support groups are canceled until further notice. Many of these programs are available via live webinar, including our prenatal classes and support groups. We appreciate your understanding as we focus on the health and safety of our community.

With breastfeeding comes questions. We're here to answer all of them.

If you're a new mom, or soon will be, we offer an education and resource program to make breastfeeding easier. From prop suggestions to latching techniques, our educators pride themselves on empowering you. And while we can't be there for that 3 am feeding, we can offer peace of mind that you're doing it right.

We provide:

• Breastfeeding classes and support groups
• Certified lactation consultants
• Breast pumps and supplies
• Educational resources
• Donor breastmilk from Mother's Milk Bank when needed

Care, compassion, expertise.

Sharp nurses receive annual education on breastfeeding, and all new nurses who care for mothers and babies receive an additional 20 hours of breastfeeding education, 5 hours of which are spent working directly with a lactation consultant.

If you have breastfeeding challenges that your nurse is unable to fully address, our lactation consultants are here to help you. All our lactation consultants are registered nurses with specialized training. Meaning, they're equipped to recognize and prevent breastfeeding problems, putting their sole focus on the nursing mother and her newborn. And expect their ongoing care and advice to go beyond your hospital stay.

Our stance on breastfeeding.

We believe that breastmilk is the best milk, and encourage:

• Breastfeeding over formula
• Breastfeeding within one hour of delivery
• Skin-to-skin contact to inspire breastfeeding
• Learning about safe medications while breastfeeding, and preparing for the first four weeks of feeding your newborn

Ultimately, whether or not you breastfeed is your choice. While breastfeeding is usually healthier than formula feeding for both mom and baby, we understand when parents have personal or cultural preferences for formula. We provide a caring, supportive environment for every mom, every time, no matter what her choice for feeding is.

How to find a lactation consultant.

Our lactation consultants are ready to help. Please call the numbers below for a referral or additional information.

Sharp Chula Vista Hospital lactation office: 619-502-5848.

Sharp Grossmont Hospital lactation office: 619-740-4983.

At Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, call our New Beginnings Boutique & Gift Shop at 858-939-4127 or our lactation office at 858-939-4140.