Maternal and Child Health (Maternity Services) - Lactation Services
Related Locations
Related Services
Breastfeeding help for the hospital and home
Breastfeeding offers an array of benefits for both mother and child. At Scripps, we want to support your breastfeeding decision and offer you the tools you need. All Scripps hospital maternity nursing staff are specially trained to help new mothers with breastfeeding and Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas was the first hospital in San Diego County to be designated Baby-Friendly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Read more about “Baby Friendly” Hospitals.
In addition, certified lactation consultants are available at each facility and can help new mothers with challenging breastfeeding problems such as:
- Latch difficulties
- Sore nipples
- Mastitis: an infection of the breast tissue
- Insufficient milk supply
- Breastfeeding a premature baby
- Slow weight gain in the infant
- Breastfeeding an infant with a cleft lip/palate
- Induced lactation for adopted infants
Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding support
Scripps lactation services offer support both in the hospital and at home. Our comprehensive program helps new mothers adjust to breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding support groups: Free support groups are offered at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Well Being, La Jolla, Scripps Mercy Hospital and Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista. For more information, visit our breastfeeding support groups page or call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777).
Breastfeeding store: Breastfeeding supplies, including breast pumps, are available in each hospital. In addition, two of Scripps maternity units have on-site breastfeeding stores.
- Scripps Mercy Hospital’s “Nursing Notions” breastfeeding store is located in the Family Birth Unit on the third floor. Store hours are Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call 619-260-7234.
- Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas’ “Nursing Nook” is located in the Leichtag Family Birth Pavilion. The store is open every day from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information call 760-633-7850.
Breastfeeding help lines: Breastfeeding help lines are available at each hospital. Leave your message for the lactation consultant and she will return your call.
- Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
760-633-7850
- Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
858-626-6268
- Scripps Mercy Hospital
619-260-7098
- Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista
619-691-7272
Find more online resources for pregnancy, parenting and breastfeeding.