About Us
ABOUT
Nursing Mothers Counsel (NMC) was founded in Palo Alto in 1955 by a group of women who nursed their children at a time when there was a lack of accurate information and support for breastfeeding. These women formed an organization to provide free counseling to new parents on a one-to-one basis, offering support for the best and most natural nutrition in an era when formula was the “modern” way to feed babies. NMC continues with the same philosophy today.
NMC counselors felt that parents needed support and encouragement to learn to nurse their baby. They felt each parent had their own lactation goals and NMC counselors would support their choices. At that time obstetricians and pediatricians in the communities from San Francisco through Santa Clara Counties turned to NMC for lactation advice. NMC served as their resource until lactation departments became part of hospitals in the early 1990s. NMC has been highly respected in our medical communities and professionals continue to refer parents to NMC for free lactation education support.
How it works
Nursing parents, or anyone supporting them, may contact Nursing Mothers Counsel with questions about lactation or feeding. A counselor will work with them directly by phone or email to address their needs. If in-person help is needed, a counselor (depending on location and availability of counselor) may be able come to their home to provide lactation support.
Nursing Mothers Counsel also provides free Introduction to Breastfeeding classes via Zoom, and runs a free support group.
Who we are
Nursing Mothers Counsel is a nonprofit organization supporting the personal feeding goals of parents with free, one-on-one assistance and education provided by highly trained volunteer counselors who nursed their babies for at least 6 months. Counselors have received in-depth training in lactation and counseling.
Read more about our mission or learn about our counselor training.