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  5. Breast Feeding Support

Breastfeeding Support

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies and has many health benefits for the breastfeeding parent as well. The lactation consultants of Allegheny Health Network work with pregnant women and new moms to support breastfeeding success.

Breastfeeding support at Allegheny Health Network: Why choose us?

In 2018, the Women and Infants Center at AHN West Penn became the first in southwestern PA to win the IBCLC Care Award, and still maintains this award. This award is given jointly by the International Board of Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) in recognition of the highest level of support to breastfeeding families and hospital staff. AHN’s Jefferson, Forbes, and Wexford Hospital also won this award for breastfeeding support excellence.

The IBCLC Care Award is valid for 2 years, and the current list of awardees can be found here.

The benefits of award-winning lactation care and support include:

  • One-on-one care: To help you and your baby get off to a great start, a lactation consultant can speak or meet privately with you before you have your baby to help you both get off to a great start. A lactation consultant will also meet with you in the hospital after delivery to answer questions and make sure breastfeeding is going well. Should you need more assistance after discharge, help is only a phone call or office visit away.
  • Experience: Our lactation consultants are board-certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. We have extensive experience helping moms master breastfeeding and overcoming any issues.
  • Education and support: We offer a variety of support services for breast-feeding moms, including:
    • Breastfeeding classes: Expectant parents can attend classes led by lactation specialists to prepare for getting off to the best start with breastfeeding. Learn more about our pregnancy and childbirth classes.
    • Phone consultations: Lactation consultants are available at all AHN locations with Women and Infant services.  West Penn (412) 578-7030; Jefferson (412) 469-5475; Forbes (412) 858-4195; Wexford (878) 231-5303; St. Vincent (814) 452-7732. If we miss you please leave a message and we will return the call as soon as possible.
    • Support groups: Lactation consultants at Support groups are available at AHN West Penn, AHN Jefferson and AHN Wexford.  The schedule and registration information can be found at www.ahn.org/events or by calling the lactation offices at each location.
  • Additional recognitions
    • AHN Jefferson is the first and only hospital in western PA to achieve the Baby-Friendly