Breastfeeding Classes and Support
Sierra View Medical Center is Tulare County’s only Baby-Friendly designated hospital, reflecting its commitment to evidence-based, family-centered care. As part of that commitment, the Sierra View Breastfeeding Resource Center offers free breastfeeding classes and a peer-led breastfeeding support group for expecting and new families.
Both programs are supported by Ann Margaret, Sierra View Medical Center’s International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and are designed to provide practical education and ongoing support.
Breastfeeding Classes
Sierra View’s breastfeeding classes help families understand what to expect before and after baby arrives. Topics include the benefits of breastfeeding, breast anatomy, skin-to-skin care, milk supply, positioning, latching, and early feeding cues.
“We talk about everything before delivery and right after delivery,” Ann Margaret said. “We give them tools they can actually use.”
Class topics are the same each month. If possible, attending before the 36th week of pregnancy is recommended; however, all new parents are welcome to attend at any point during pregnancy or after delivery. Partners and support people are encouraged to attend, as they often play an important role once families are home. “A lot of times, they’re the ones who go back and say, ‘Remember how they showed us to position the baby’” says Ann Margaret.
Peer-Led Breastfeeding Support Group
The breastfeeding support group is offered in partnership with Tulare County WIC and provides a relaxed, peer-led setting where families can share experiences and learn from one another. Ann Margaret is present to support the group and help answer questions as needed.
“It’s about listening, validating, and sharing,” she said. “We want it to feel like going to coffee with a friend, not sitting in a classroom.”
Through the WIC partnership, eligible families may access loaner breast pumps. This is especially helpful for parents whose babies are in the NICU and need to begin pumping right away, or for those waiting for insurance coverage for a pump.
Mothers are welcome to bring their babies. Support people may also attend, with the focus remaining on the breastfeeding mother.
Interested in Attending?
Both the breastfeeding classes and support group are held on the same days each month at the Sierra View Breastfeeding Resource Center, located on the second floor of the Medical Office Building.
- Breastfeeding Classes: 4 PM - 5:30 PM
- Breastfeeding Support Group: 2 PM - 3 PM
Upcoming dates:
- Thursday, February 19
- Thursday, March 19
- Thursday, April 16
- More dates coming soon.
Both the breastfeeding classes and support group are free and offered on a walk-in basis. Families are welcome to attend at any stage, whether they are preparing for baby or already breastfeeding.
For more information or to schedule one-on-one lactation support, call (559) 791-3701, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM - 4:30 PM.
