Where to go for FREE breastfeeding consultations in Tampa
Champions for Children and BayCare Health have teamed up to open two new ‘Baby Cafe’ walk-in breastfeeding clinics in Hillsborough County — offering FREE professional lactation consultations and support for new moms regardless of their ability to pay.
If you’ve had to hire a private breastfeeding consultant in the past, you know it can be expensive which is why this program was created–to ensure all moms can access this important level of support in a private setting.
Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?
>>This Week’s Favorite Events
>>Halloween Events, Pumpkin Patches, and MORE
>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids
The new locations are located in the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in Town ‘N Country and Plant City, bringing the total number of “Baby Cafe” walk-in clinics in the county to five.
Baby Cafe FREE breastfeeding consultation locations in Hillsborough County:
(NEW) CHildren’s Board Family Resource Center in Town ‘N Country
7520 W.Waters Ave #8, Tampa
Call to register: (813) 673-4646 x1127
(NEW) Children’s Board Family Resource Center in Plant City
301 N. Palmer Ave, Plant City
Call to register: (813) 673-4646 x1127
Children’s Board Family Resource Center in Brandon
1271 Kingsway Rd, Brandon
Call to register: (813) 673-4646 x1127
USF Pediatrics
17 Davis Blvd, #100, Tampa
Call to register: (813) 673-4646 x1127
Layla’s House
1506 E. Eskimo Ave, Tampa
Call to register: (813) 673-4646 x1127
It’s estimated the five breastfeeding support clinics will serve more than 1,000 moms and their babies this year.
“The lactation consultations are important for new moms and we are very excited to partner with BayCare Health to provide the service at two of the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers,” said Kelley Parris, Executive Director of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.
Champions for Children says the four-year grant from BayCare Health will also grow their capacity for individual appointment-based consults outside of the clinic setting, staff breastfeeding “warm line” phone support, deliver prenatal education classes for families attending the new clinics, and eventually add a sixth and seventh clinic in the coming years.
You can call the Parent Warm Line at 813-673-4646 ext. 7 to connect with someone who is knowledgable about the needs of local families. There is no charge to call.
In addition to the “Baby Cafe” clinics, new moms can also rent breast pumps and attend classes and workshops to prepare for their new arrival during pregnancy and after baby arrives.
Related: Ask the Doctor: Darkened areolas during pregnancy explained by Dr. Jill
Champions for Children adds: “Evidence is clear that breastfeeding has a significant impact on the lifelong health of babies, including promoting proper development and secure attachment, reducing the incidence and severity of common illnesses, and protecting against abuse and neglect. Among low-income households in Hillsborough County, sustained breastfeeding rates are less than 1/4 of the 60% federally set target. Additionally, women of color initiate breastfeeding at rates far below white women. The need to invest in the unique services offered by Baby Cafes could not be clearer.”
Related: Where to get FREE car seat inspections in Tampa Bay