HMI Preemie Breastfeeding Support Group

The Human Milk Institute is launching a first-of-its-kind preemie breastfeeding support group - built specifically for families navigating preterm birth. Unlike traditional groups designed for term infants, this space recognizes the realities of pump dependence, medical complexity, and daunting transitions from scheduled to responsive, cue-based breastfeeding. Each session involves a presentation on relevant preterm topics, a breastfeeding medicine clinician, and community of families living the experience in real time. Open to anyone, anywhere, families can join virtually or attend in person at the UC San Diego Milk Bank for hands-on support with optional weighted feeds. These are the babies who stand to benefit most from human milk - and the ones for whom it’s often hardest to achieve. UC San Diego Human Milk Institute is here to help you.

Target Audience:

New parents, family members, clinicians, students, researchers, community support

Time:

Last Friday of the month, 3:30 PM Pacific Time

Location:

Join us VIRTUALLY or IN PERSON at the UC Health Milk Bank (3636 Gateway Center Avenue, San Diego, CA 92102)

Format:

Each meeting features an expert in preterm care or related fields, followed by a clinician-led discussion with time for questions and shared learning. A baby scale will be available for weighted breastfeeds.

Upcoming meetings

May 29, 2026

Speaker: Karen Mestan, MS, MD; Neonatologist
Clinician: Christina Toedman, RN, IBCLC

June 26, 2026

Speaker: Eyla Boies, MD, FAAP, FABM; Pediatrician
Clinician: Christina Tenorio, MPH, BS, IBCLC, CLC ICCE, Doula

July 31, 2026

Speaker: Sandra Leibel, MD, MSc; Neonatologist
Mina Ognjanovic MHA, IBCLC, PMH-C(candidate), BFA, PPD

August 28, 2026

Speaker: Michelle Leff MD, IBCLC, NABBLM-C, FAAP; Pediatrician
Clinician: Erin Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, BCS-S

September 25, 2026

Speaker: Alexander Nicols, PhD; Immunologist
Clinician: Tara Burt, MPH, IBCLC

October 30, 2026

Speaker: Piper Sandel, MD, MPH, IBCLC; Pediatrician
Clinician: Ruth Hammer, RN, IBCLC

*November 20, 2026

Speaker: Bryan Brown, PhD; Milk Scientist
Kimberly Wolf, DO, FAAP, FACOP, FAAPO, NABBLM-C

*December 18, 2026

Speaker: Erin Cleary, MD; OBGYN
Clinician: Jennifer Gatham, NP, IBCLC

*Alternate date due to holiday