Disclaimer: I am a “breastfeeding helper” in San Antonio working as an IBCLC and peer counselor with more than one of the organizations listed below.
Breastfeeding your baby can be an amazing experience, but you can also have challenges and/or get a ton of bad information. Meeting other breastfeeding parents and reaching out to breastfeeding professionals can help. Moms are unique, and each finds support in different ways. San Antonio offers breastfeeding help for each type of mom. There are breastfeeding classes, in-person support groups, online support groups, phone help, one-on-one help, and more.
Parents can find a variety of different breastfeeding supporters out there with varying levels of expertise and training. Titles and acronyms are often misused or made up with no actual meaning behind the name. The United States Lactation Consultant Association has a great handout, “Who’s Who in Lactation,” with a detailed explanation of different titles and the training associated with each. This list focuses on International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and peer counselor services throughout San Antonio. Many doulas and other pre- and post-natal support people in San Antonio offer breastfeeding support. Only you can determine if their skills and training will meet your needs.
Breastfeeding Support Groups
These groups offer regular get-togethers, which can help moms to meet other breastfeeding families. As a new mom, I found it helpful to spend time with other breastfeeding families. I breastfed longer with my second child because I was able to attend a support group for a longer time.
Breastfeeding USA’s San Antonio support group meetings are once a month. Four times a year their peer counselors offer an extra “class” or topic during the meetings. They also offer phone and/or in-person assistance with breastfeeding counselors, whose contact information can be found on their website, as well as a busy Facebook Group.
La Leche League of San Antonio offers five different monthly in-person breastfeeding support groups around town on the northwest side, central area, north central area and northeast side, along with a toddler group. These are led by peer counselors, known as Leaders. They also have an active Facebook group administered by Accredited Leaders. In addition, Leaders are available for phone support (their numbers are listed on the website) OR parents can call the general helpline at (210) 341-9669.
Non-Profit Agencies with Breastfeeding Support
Several San Antonio agencies/nonprofits offer breastfeeding help. Their services may be geared to families with financial need, but they often see all families. Check out their websites for more information.
The Baby Cafe offers visits with a lactation consultant by appointment. Call them at (210) 207-7138. They have approximately one class a month on a parent- or baby-related topic, though not necessarily breastfeeding-specific.
Latched offers home visits with lactation consultants.
San Antonio Birth Doulas offers home visits with a lactation consultant.
I also want to note that if you are a military family, you can access the New Parent Support Program on your installation and they often offer home visits.
Private Practice Lactation Consultants
There are several International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants who have private practices in San Antonio:
Breastfeeding Housecalls offers appointments with one of their lactation consultants either in their office or in a family’s home.
Breastfeeding Perspectives offers appointments with one of their lactation consultants in a family’s home.
The MILC Group offers appointments with one of their lactation consultants either in their office or in a family’s home. They also have a weekly support group and monthly classes.
San Antonio Nurse Midwife has an IBCLC on staff who sees breastfeeding families in their office.
Hospital Lactation Centers
Most of our area hospitals offer inpatient breastfeeding help. Ask for help before you are discharged. Many hospitals also have outpatient lactation services. Be sure to check with your hospital to see what they provide at your delivery location. These locations offer outpatient services or classes.
Methodist Lactation Center offers lactation consultations and weight checks along with breast pump rental and sales. In addition, they have a regularly offered breastfeeding class.
Baptist Health System’s Mother’s Milk First Lactation Center for Breastfeeding Support, near North Central Baptist Hospital, offers breast pump sales and rentals along with pump parts and accessories as well as maternity and nursing bras. They have lactation consultations by appointment only. They also provide weight checks, bra fittings, and telephone assistance. The hospital also offer a breastfeeding class along with all of their other maternity classes.
University Hospital Lactation Services offers lactation consultations and monthly breastfeeding classes.
Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital offers a breastfeeding class as part of their Baby Academy series (class #4).
Christus Santa Rosa Westover Hills Lactation Support offer lactation consultations, weight checks, a support group, a helpline, and classes.
Military families can access outpatient lactation support as well as breastfeeding classes at San Antonio Military Medical Center. You can call the Lactation Office at (210) 916-0139.
