LIFE RAFT is a program designed to give families facing high-risk pregnancies the specialized breastfeeding support they need—before birth, in the hospital, and throughout the first year of their baby’s life.
High-risk pregnancies often involve medical complications, prenatal fetal diagnoses, or anticipated NICU stays. These situations can make breastfeeding more challenging, though breast milk is especially beneficial for infants with complex medical needs. LIFE RAFT was created to close that gap.
Specialized antepartum education:
Twice-monthly breastfeeding classes tailored specifically to people with high-risk pregnancies. Sessions can be attended in person or virtually and are FREE.
Preparation for common challenges:
Topics include establishing milk supply after preterm delivery or surgery, feeding considerations for infants with congenital conditions, and managing lactation while using necessary medical therapies.
“Fourth trimester” support:
Information covered in our "Prepared to Feed" class helps families plan for the 4th trimester.
Meet the Team
Resources
We have gathered educational videos from trusted healthcare organizations and breastfeeding experts to help you build your knowledge and confidence. Topics include breastfeeding, pumping, milk storage, infant feeding, and newborn care. These resources are intended to supplement, not replace, guidance from your healthcare team.
Paced Bottle Feeding This video shows paced bottle feeding, a method that lets the baby control the speed of feeding. The presenter shows how to hold the baby in a more upright position, hold the bottle level, take short pauses during feeding, and watch for signs that the baby is hungry or full. The video explains how paced bottle feeding may help prevent overfeeding and support babies who are both breastfed and bottle-fed by making bottle feeding more like breastfeeding.
Hand Expression of Breast Milk This video shows how to express breast milk by hand. The presenter explains when hand expression can help and demonstrates where to place your fingers, how to gently compress the breast, and how to collect the milk. The video also shares tips to make hand expression more comfortable and how to safely collect and store expressed milk.
Lymphatic Massage for Breast Swelling This video explains how gentle lymphatic massage may help reduce breast swelling during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The presenter shows how to use light hand movements to encourage fluid to drain through the body's lymphatic system. The video also explains why gentle massage is recommended instead of deep breast massage during this time and when to talk with a healthcare provider about breast pain, swelling, or other concerns.
La Leche League Canada Newborn Nursing Video Collection
La Leche League Canada Newborn Nursing Video Collection
Laid-Back Breastfeeding
Latching in a laid-back position
A shallow painful latch vs a deep comfortable latch
Baby Drinking Milk
Offering the second breast and how to know your baby is finished feeding
Breast compressions can help your baby get more milk
Side-lying nursing position
Newborn Breastfeeding Video Series This playlist includes short videos about breastfeeding during the first days and weeks after birth. Topics include finding a comfortable breastfeeding position, helping your baby get a good latch, knowing when your baby is drinking milk, recognizing feeding cues, and solving common breastfeeding challenges. The videos are designed to help parents and caregivers build confidence with breastfeeding and learn practical feeding skills.
Getting a Good Latch This video shows how to tell if your baby has a good latch during breastfeeding. The presenter explains what to look for, including your baby's lip position, chin and nose placement, tongue position, and sucking pattern. The video also shares tips for comfortable positioning and explains how a good latch can help your baby feed well and reduce nipple pain.
First Droplets This website offers free videos and information to help families prepare for breastfeeding before and after birth. Topics include breastfeeding in the first hour after delivery, hand expression, building and protecting your milk supply, helping your baby latch, pumping, and feeding premature babies. The website also includes resources for healthcare professionals and families who want to learn more about breastfeeding.
Supporting Premature Infant Nutrition (SPIN) This playlist includes videos about breastfeeding and providing breast milk for premature babies. The videos explain how to build and maintain your milk supply, express and store breast milk, and support your baby's growth while they are in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These videos are designed to help parents and caregivers care for premature infants and work with their healthcare team.
Breastfeeding Premature Infants (SPIN) | UC San Diego Health
Breastfeeding Premature Infants (SPIN) | UC San Diego Health
Breastfeeding NICU Preemies, Step 1: Skin-to-Skin Contact
Breastfeeding NICU Preemies: Step 2: First Time at the Breast
Breastfeeding NICU Preemies, Step 3: Learning to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding NICU Preemies, Step 4: Getting Better at Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding NICU Preemies, Step 5: Getting Ready to Go Home
Premature Breastfeeding Video Series This playlist includes short videos about breastfeeding during the first days and weeks after birth. Topics include finding a comfortable breastfeeding position, helping your baby get a good latch, knowing when your baby is drinking milk, recognizing feeding cues, and solving common breastfeeding challenges. The videos are designed to help parents and caregivers build confidence with breastfeeding and learn practical feeding skills.