Exciting changes are coming!
Dignity Health is moving to CommonSpirit.org to deliver a more seamless, patient-centered experience across California, Arizona, and Nevada.
At Sequoia Hospital, we help all families create a feeding plan, whether they choose breast milk, formula or a combination of both. We follow the latest scientific recommendations and stand by the following six guiding principles:
We believe that human milk is the most natural way to nourish an infant. Babies who drink only breast milk have a lower risk of health problems, including ear infections, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and heart disease later in life.
Research shows that early skin-to-skin contact is ideal for introducing babies to breastfeeding and their new surroundings. Keeping mothers and babies together during the hospital stay also creates bonding opportunities. We support keeping mothers and babies together unless separation is medically necessary.
While human milk is the best source of nutrition for infants, we fully support parents who may need to complement breastfeeding with donated human milk or infant formula.
Many Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) parents are overwhelmed and need special support to feed their infants. Our nurses and breastfeeding support staff educate families on how to use breast pumps and feed expressed human milk correctly.
Our staff provides lactation support and education to help families meet their goals and feel confident in feeding their baby. Parents who know how to breastfeed and feel comfortable breastfeeding are more likely to succeed.
Support, knowledge and practice are essential for successful breastfeeding beyond the hospital walls. As families prepare to leave the hospital, our staff ensures they have the necessary local resources and information to continue their journey with confidence.
For advice about breastfeeding, call our free "calm line,” which is answered by registered nurses who are IBCLC certified, on weekday afternoons. Please leave a message for a return call by the end of our next business day.
We offer a variety of support services for breastfeeding families at our Lactation Center, located at our Health & Wellness Center, located inside Sequoia Hospital.
When you return home, our lactation consultants can follow your progress and are available by phone or with consultations. With an M.D. referral, most insurances cover these visits (but please verify with your insurance plan).
