Breastfeeding for a Better Beginning: A Lifelong Investment in Health
Ensuring optimal infant nutrition is a cornerstone of pediatric health, yet a significant challenge persists in the United States. Only 1 in 4 infants in the U.S. are exclusively breastfed through six months, despite clear evidence that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of serious health conditions for both babies and mothers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, studies show that breastfed infants are less likely to develop asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), while mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
In honor of National Breastfeeding Month this August, Dignity Health reaffirms its commitment to supporting families in their infant feeding journeys by providing compassionate, evidence-based care. Whether parents choose to breastfeed, formula-feed, or combine both, our team of lactation consultants, pediatricians, and nurses are here to help.
Support for All Feeding Choices
At Dignity Health, we recognize that every family’s feeding journey is unique. Breastfeeding can be challenging, and not all parents are able or choose to breastfeed. Our lactation consultants and pediatricians provide personalized support and education to help parents make the best decisions for their families, without judgment.
“Infant feeding is a personal decision for every family, and our role at Dignity Health is to empower parents with knowledge and compassionate expertise,” says Sarah Fulop-Furlano, IBCLC, with Dignity Health Medical Group – Dominican. “We are dedicated to providing support and personalized guidance for all feeding choices.”
Services Available at Dignity Health
- Lactation Consultations: Personalized support from certified lactation consultants
- Breastfeeding Education: Classes and resources for expectant and new parents
- Support Groups: Opportunities to connect with and learn from other parents
- Feeding Supplies: Access to breast pumps and other feeding equipment
Dignity Health is proud to support new families with lactation services from birth through the early weeks of a baby’s life. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) provide expert breastfeeding guidance and continue offering support through phone consultations and follow-up visits, many of which are covered by insurance with a physician referral.
About Dignity Health California
Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California.
Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org.
