Breastfeeding Support for Napa Families Helps Babies Thrive 

Oringinally published: September 2026

“Breastfeeding is the most natural thing, but it doesn’t always come naturally.” That’s what Jenna Haug Said sees while working with Napa County families. As a registered dietitian, lactation consultant and mom, she knows how hard breastfeeding can be for new parents. Napa County Public Health Services is working to change that. “Too many barriers block moms' breastfeeding success,” Haug Said added. “As a public health worker, I hope to improve that.” 

With Future of Public Health (FoPH) funding, Napa County is expanding its lactation services. They want to make sure every family can access support that’s easy to understand. Hands-on guidance for families when feeding their babies breast milk, whether through breastfeeding, chest feeding or pumping, helps babies get the nutrition they need to grow and stay healthy. 

“Future of Public Health funding is giving every family access to the information, skilled support, and resources they need. This is so their children can have the healthiest possible start. Lactation support is an investment in maternal and infant health across Napa County.” 

— Napa County Health and Human Services Deputy Director and Public Health Officer, Christine Wu 

Families Talked, Napa Public Health Listened 

Napa Public Health asked families what they needed and built programs based on that. Through interviews, they learned what barriers new parents face when trying to breastfeed.  Many parents didn’t know where to find help when questions came up. Some said advice changed depending on the provider. Other parents said it was hard to find private, clean places to pump while out or at work.  

When asked what would make the biggest difference, they said: 

• Information early in pregnancy 
  
• Classes that welcome partners 
  
• Clear, consistent guidance  
  
• Connecting with other parents 
  
• Spanish-language lactation support  

Expanding Lactation Support Services With FoPH 

In 2022, the county and its community partners started expanding lactation services. They began offering help in community spaces, not just clinics. They explored new ideas like baby and breastfeeding cafés. They also helped grow the Napa Valley Breastfeeding Coalition. The coalition welcomed doulas, local lactation experts and other partner organizations. This included doulas who can support Spanish-speaking families.  

In 2022, the county chose seven staff, five of whom speak Spanish, to begin the “Grow Our Own” Lactation Prep Course. “Building local expertise ensures no parent has to face early feeding challenges alone,” Wu said of the program. Six staff have completed the 90‑hour training so far. The seventh is expected to finish in October 2026. Three staff are also working toward full board certification, which requires passing an international exam and completing 500 hours of supervised clinical practice. In 2025, the county’s first staff member passed the exam. Another one will take the test in Fall 2026. 

FoPH funding supports: 

• Training costs  
  
• Lactation certifications for staff 
  
• A part-time Women, Infants and Children (WIC)/lactation analyst  ​
  
  

“I feel fortunate to help moms and babies get off to their best start with breastfeeding. I've been supported in working towards becoming certified through Future of Public Health. I can now be a resource to any mom struggling with breastfeeding in our community, not just those who meet strict program qualifications.” 

— Napa County Health and Human Services Registered Dietitian, Jenna Haug 

FoPH Investments Leave Lasting Impact  

Staff say FoPH funding has made a big difference. Before, families had few places to go to for breastfeeding help, especially in Spanish. Now they have trained lactation specialists available to provide clear, consistent information in both English and Spanish.  “Future of Public Health funding has had a lasting impact on families throughout Napa County. It’s allowed us to provide free lactation consultations,” said Pediatric Public Health Nurse Christina Riordan. “We help newborns latch or give reassurance when things aren’t going as planned. Giving families the support they need to breastfeed helps babies thrive.” ​

Riordan added, “Breastfeeding support is a universal need. But it isn’t universally covered by insurance. This funding brings a necessary service. Now every family can get compassionate, evidence-based, lactation care at no cost.” Over time, Napa County hopes to see even more families breastfeeding thanks to the added services. The impact is already clear. Families have fewer barriers to accessible services. They have more trusted people to turn to, leading to healthier beginnings for Napa families, regardless of race, income or language. 

Images courtesy of: Napa County Health and Human Services

If you’re a member of the media and have a question about this story, email Media@cdph.ca.gov​.​​​​​​​​​​​