BreastfeedLA Launches Groundbreaking Prenatal and Lactation Support Program for Incarcerated Parents at Century Regional Detention Facility

Los Angeles, CA – October 17, 2024 – In partnership with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and the Care First Community Investment African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Doula program, BreastfeedLA proudly announces the launch of an innovative prenatal education and lactation support program at Century Regional Detention Facility. This groundbreaking initiative is the only one of its kind in California and the second in the nation, marking a critical step toward ensuring that every parent, regardless of their circumstances, can provide their baby with the healthiest start in life.

The program, led by BreastfeedLA’s Brenda Vieyra and Jennifer Roberson, aims to provide comprehensive prenatal education and lactation care for pregnant and lactating individuals in custody. The program’s services include:

• Lactation education: Highlighting the life-saving benefits of human milk for infant health, bonding, and development.
• Patient care: Offering direct, one-on-one lactation support to parents giving birth while incarcerated to build a sustainable breast/chestfeeding relationship and ensure long-term milk supply.

Ensuring Milk Access for Infants

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by incarcerated parents, BreastfeedLA’s program offers robust support to ensure that expressed milk reaches infants even when separated by incarceration:

• Pumping and milk management: Teaching proper techniques and developing personalized schedules to boost and maintain milk supply.
• Milk storage and shipping: Ensuring milk is safely preserved and transported directly to the infant’s caregivers.
• Caregiver education: Providing caretakers with essential guidance on infant feeding practices and milk handling to ensure milk remains safe and nutritious.

This transformative program not only addresses key health disparities but also strengthens parent-child connections, improves infant well-being, and promotes equitable access to breastfeeding resources—breaking down barriers faced by incarcerated families.

Support This Critical Initiative

To continue providing life-changing care to families in need, we invite the community to support this vital program. Every donation ensures that incarcerated parents have access to the resources needed to nourish their babies with human milk.

Join us in making a difference—your generosity will empower more families to thrive.



Donate today and help us create lasting change.

###

Contact: Arissa Palmer, Executive Director

Email: apalmer@breastfeedla.org, 

Phone: (323) 210-8505

For more information about our organization and the work we do, please visit our website at www.breastfeedla.org.

BreastfeedLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting chest/breastfeeding equity throughout Los Angeles County. Through education, advocacy, and community programs, we work to ensure that every parent has the support and resources needed to nourish their children with human milk.