Breastfeeding offers many health benefits for both you and your baby and helps with bonding — but it is a learned skill that takes patience and practice. AHN has lactation consultants that work with you during pregnancy and after delivery to support you in your breastfeeding journey.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend feeding your baby only breast milk for the first 6 months. You can start adding other foods after that but keep breastfeeding until your baby is at least 2 years old.
Breast milk is very healthy for your baby. It helps with digestion, creates a strong bond between you and your baby, and protects against some illnesses. As your baby grows, your breast milk changes to give them exactly what they need. Breastfeeding can also help you recover faster after having your baby.
Our lactation consultants are board-certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and have lots of experience helping new parents master breastfeeding and overcome nursing challenges. We can help answer questions about:
We offer a wide variety of support services for breastfeeding parents, including:
When you meet with one of our lactation consultants, you know you'll be in good hands. West Penn Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Forbes Hospital, and Wexford Hospital currently hold the IBCLC Care Award, which recognizes the highest level of excellence in breastfeeding support from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). West Penn Hospital was the first facility in western Pennsylvania to receive the IBCLC Care Award in 2018.
The same four hospitals are also recognized as Keystone 10 designated facilities, recognized for improving the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding for all Pennsylvania infants, mothers, and families.
Most health insurance companies provide new moms with breast pumps. If you don't already have a breast pump, our on-site medical equipment representatives work with your insurance provider to supply you with a breast pump before you and your baby leave the hospital.
The lactation department at West Penn Hospital also has hospital-grade breast pumps available for rent as well as many nursing and hands-free bra options available for purchase.
There are many helpful breastfeeding resources in the Pittsburgh area, Pennsylvania, and nationwide. We recommend the following organizations and resources for additional breastfeeding support:
Allegheny County Breastfeeding Help Line
(412) 687-2243
PA WIC Breastfeeding Help Line
(855) 427-5666
La Leche League International
(800) 525-3243
National Women's Health and Breastfeeding Help Line
(800) 994-9662
InfantRisk Center Help Line (medication safety during breastfeeding)
(806) 352-2519
MommyMeds smartphone app
(Apple App Store and Google Play Store)
Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding
Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle
Erie County WIC
(814) 459-1948
Erie Family Health
(312) 666-3494
Call one of the locations below for breastfeeding questions or to make your appointment for lactation support:
West Penn Hospital
4800 Friendship Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
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Services offered: Help line, support groups, outpatient lactation appointments, hospital-grade pump rentals, breastfeeding supplies
Jefferson Hospital
565 Coal Valley Road
Jefferson Hills, PA 15025
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Services offered: Help line, support groups
Forbes Hospital
2570 Haymaker Road
Monroeville, PA 15146
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Services offered: Help line, outpatient lactation appointments
Wexford Hospital
12351 Perry Highway
Wexford, PA 15090
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(878) 231-5303
Services offered: Help line, support groups
Saint Vincent Hospital
232 West 25th Street
Erie, PA 16544
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Services offered: Help line, outpatient lactation appointments
