Breast-Feeding Support

Breast milk is chock-full of good nutrients for your baby and confers many health benefits. Breast-feeding has health benefits for moms, too, and promotes mother-infant bonding. The lactation consultants of Allegheny Health Network work with pregnant women and new moms to support breast-feeding success.

Breast-feeding support at Allegheny Health Network: Why choose us?

In 2018, the Women and Infants Center at AHN West Penn Hospital became the first in southwestern PA to win the Care 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 breast-feeding families and hospital staff. AHN’s Jefferson and Forbes Hospital also won this award for breast-feeding support excellence.

The 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 nurses who are board-certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. We have extensive experience helping moms master breast-feeding and overcoming any issues.
• Education and support: We offer a variety of support services for breast-feeding moms, including:
  • Breast-feeding classes: Moms-to-be and new moms can participate in classes led by lactation consultants. Learn more about our pregnancy and childbirth classes.
  • Phone consultations: Lactation Consultants at both West Penn and AHN Jefferson Hospitals are available to answer your questions. To reach a consultant at West Penn call (412) 578-7030. To reach a consultant at AHN Jefferson call (412) 469-5475. If we miss you please leave a message and we will return the call as soon as possible.
  • Support groups: Lactation consultants at both West Penn and AHN Jefferson Hospitals host free weekly support groups for breastfeeding moms. For more information or to register at West Penn call (412) 578-7030 and at AHN Jefferson call (412) 469-5475.

Breast pumps and supplies at AHN

Most health insurance companies provide new moms with breast pumps. 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.

We also offer:

• Retail lactation center: The West Penn Hospital retail store has hospital-grade breast pumps available to rent, as well as nursing bras, pillows, and accessories.
• Bra fittings: Many of our lactation consultants are also certified bra fitters. We can meet with you in the hospital or after discharge to determine your bra size and ensure a proper, comfortable fit and we have many nursing and hands-free bra options available for purchase.

Additional breastfeeding and lactation resources

• The links below can provide more Information on breastfeeding and lactation services.
• Breast-feeding After Breast and Nipple Surgeries  offers support and advice on breast-feeding after breast and nipple surgeries.
• Breast-feeding.com is a great site for a variety of breast-feeding topics and concerns.
• Renowned Canadian Pediatrician, Dr. Jack Newman offers expert information and guidance on a variety of breast-feeding topics. The website also includes great video links and downloadable handouts.
• Kellymom.com provides evidence based information on breast-feeding and parenting.
• La Leche League International provides evidence based information on a wide range of breast-feeding topics and concerns on their website.

Contact us

Call AHN Lactation Consultants at West Penn at (412) 578-7030 and at AHN Jefferson by calling (412) 469-5475 to make your appointment for breastfeeding services.