Altura Centers for Health offers free lactation visits with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at the Pediatric Clinic located at 1186 E. Leland Drive in Tulare. Michelle De Leon, IBCLC, is available for consults during and after pregnancy. She can be reached at (559) 686-9097 extension 4703; Michelle is bilingual in Spanish. Free transportation is available.
The decision to breastfeed is made during pregnancy, so early education is important.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life, with the introduction of solids at 6 months, and continued breastfeeding until 1 year of age or longer, as mutually desired. Altura Centers for Health supports this recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
During the lactation visit, the Lactation Consultant will assess the latch, positioning, behavior, and other factors that may cause any feeding problems. An oral assessment is performed to determine any concerns that would prevent a correct latch. A thorough history is completed to determine any risk factors with mother or infant. The weight is checked within 1 week following the newborn visit to assure the newborn is feeding well.
Free Breastfeeding Classes
2nd Wednesday of each month
English: 9:00 to 10:00 am
Spanish: 10:30 to 11:30 am
1500 West Tulare Drive, Tulare, CA 93274
Free breastfeeding classes are held every second Wednesday of each month. Classes are offered in English and Spanish at our West Tulare Community Room, 1500 West Tulare Drive, in Tulare. Please join us if you’d like to learn more about breastfeeding! Families, spouses, significant others and friends are welcome too!
Free Breastfeeding Support Group
2nd Wednesday of each month
11:30 am to 12:30 pm
1500 West Tulare Drive, Tulare, CA 93274
A Breastfeeding Support Group is held every 2nd Wednesday from 11:30-12:30 pm in the West Tulare Community Education Room, 1500 West Tulare Drive, Tulare 93274.
Peer support has been shown effective in breastfeeding mothers and has been known to help increase milk supply. You will meet other breastfeeding mothers with infants of different ages. We will discuss any of your concerns, challenges, successes, breastfeeding stories and offer any referrals needed. Please join us and receive a free diaper bag at your first meeting.
Did you know?
Breastfeeding can reduce your risk of breast, uterine, endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Breast-milk provides complete nutrition for the first 6 months of life.
Breastfeeding stimulates a baby’s sense of taste and smell
Breastfeeding saves your family money
For more information about breastfeeding, please contact:
Michelle De Leon, IBCLC
559-686-9097 ext 4703
For information about the other services that Altura Centers for Health provides, please visit our website: www.altura.org