Lactation Education and Services

The Lactation Department within Mary Washington Healthcare is a daily resource for breastfeeding mothers and babies within our hospitals. All of our Lactation Consultants are nurses who are also certified by the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants.  

Outpatient Consultations

Although breastfeeding is natural, learning does not come easily for all new moms, and sometimes even experienced moms may struggle with a new issue.  If you’re concerned about the amount of milk you’re producing, the baby’s weight or are having issues pumping, we offer personal consultations with you and your baby.  Some problems may be addressed over the phone, but other issues need a personal visit. We invite you and your baby to come in to address your concerns with one of our certified lactation consultants.  They will offer you individualized guidance, tips, and tools to make breastfeeding more comfortable for you and your baby.

Based on the nature of the consultation, there is a scale available to check a pre-feed and post-feed weight to make sure your baby is receiving an adequate supply of milk.  When bringing your infant to the consultation, keep in mind that we will want the baby to feed, so it would be best to have the consult at a time when he/she will be interested in feeding, but not overly hungry.  Please also allow 20-30 minutes for the check-in time at Patient Access.  Consultations last approximately 1 hour.
There is a fee for consultations.  Consultation charges are filed to your insurance.  Please call your insurance provider to verify coverage as this varies greatly.  To schedule a consultation call the MWHC Lactation Department at 540.741.4465.

If you have breastfeeding concerns after hours, please call 540-741-4465 and follow the prompts to be connected to a Health Link nurse.

Breast Pumps

Pump Rentals Resources in the Community
Homecare America (MaryWashington Healthcare) 540-741-3538
Breastfed Beginnings (Cathy Thompson, RN, IBCLC) 540-371-4827
Mother’s Best (Caroline Conneen, NP, IBCLC) 540-371-3004

Which pump is best to buy?
When purchasing a breast pump, please consider your needs for use.  If you are going to be a full-time working mother, you will succeed best with a double electric pump.  If you will be an at home mother with only an occasional need to pump, a single electric pump or even a manual pump may be adequate.   There are many online resources that will provide you with a comparison of brands and uses. 

Breastfeeding Classes 

Breastfeeding: Great Beginnings and Beyond - A three-hour class for moms and dads focusing on the basics of breastfeeding your newborn.  This class is an excellent way to learn the skills that will help you get off to a great start with breastfeeding.  Topics also include information about breast pumps, expressing and storing breastmilk and breastfeeding beyond the first few weeks.  Classes are taught by Certified Lactation Consultants.  Schedule to attend this class prior to your delivery so you can feel confident in feeding your baby right from the start.
$45/couple
Moms and Babies Group - New mothers and their babies up to six months of age are welcome to attend this group.  This is a great place to meet other new mothers.  There is no cost for the group and registration is not required. There is a baby scale available to weigh your baby.  A nurse who is also a lactation consultant is there to answer questions and to facilitate group discussion.  You do not have to be a breastfeeding mother to attend.
This class is located in the Carl D. Silver Auditoriums (rear entrance of the Moss Free Clinic) each Tuesday  10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Visit our Community Calendar to find the class that is right for you.  Call MWHC Health Link between 9am and 4pm for pricing and registration.

 The local La Leche League also offers breastfeeding support groups.
La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed. It may be helpful to begin attending a few months prior to delivering your baby.  

Resources: