he Women's Health Center (WHC) provides comprehensive obstetrical
and gynecological care for women of adolescent to geriatric age in San
Francisco County as well as those served by the Community Health
Network. The WHC is dedicated to providing quality services that find
and implement better ways to promote health and to prevent disease,
injury and disability.
Located in the Women's Health Center, the Women's Breastfeeding Center offers many services that provide support and encouragement for breastfeeding. It is staffed by an IBCLC (International Breastfeeding Certified Lactation Counselor) and several certified lactation counselors who provide individual help to breastfeeding mothers in at least five different languages (English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese); other languages available through interpreter services.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, human milk is
uniquely superior for infant feeding. There is evidence suggesting
breastfeeding may decrease the rate of sudden infant death syndrome
during the first year of life, infection, obesity, overweight, diabetes,
and asthma (among others) in older children and adults. Breastfeeding
has also been associated with increased cognitive development. The
Breastfeeding Center offers resources, encouragement, and materials to
help a mother breastfeed. A Breastfeeding Support Group meets twice a
week, which provides support and encouragement to continue
breastfeeding. The IBCLC and lactation specialists help with issues and
questions related to breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Center also has a
book and video library loan program for both prenatal and breastfeeding
mothers, and offers numerous essential breastfeeding supplies.
