Lactation & Breastfeeding Services

Breastfeeding is one of the best things a new mother can do to help her baby grow and develop. Most mothers can breastfeed successfully and we are here to help.

Breastfeeding assistance and consultations are provided for you and your baby while you are patients at either Mary Washington or Stafford Hospital by your team of nurses and lactation consultants. Our certified lactation consultants are available daily and provide individualized breastfeeding support to help you and your baby get off to a good start

We can also provide lactation services to a mother and/or baby in any unit within our hospitals.

Before your baby arrives, we recommend you take our free Breastfeeding Essentials class to help you feel more confident as you start this journey.

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.

• Outpatient consults available at Mary Washington Hospital
• Schedule when your baby is interested in feeding, but not overly hungry
• Scale available to check baby's pre-feed and post-feed weight and ensure he/she is receiving an adequate supply of milk
• Consults last between 1-1.5 hours (allow for an additional 20-30 minutes to check-in with the Patient Access Office)

Most outpatient consultations are covered by insurance. Please call your insurance provider to verify specific coverage as this varies greatly.

To speak with a lactation consultant and schedule a consultation, please call the MWHC Lactation Services Department at 540.741.4465* If a lactation consultant is not available to speak with you immediately, your phone call will be returned by the next business day. If you have breastfeeding concerns that need to be addressed immediately, call the MWHC Health Link Nurse Advice Line at 540.741.1000.

*You do not have to have delivered your baby at one of our hospitals to use these services.

Pump Rentals
Medical Arts Pharmacy (located at Tompkins-Martin Medical Plaza on the campus of Mary Washington Hospital)
540.741.1425

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 Essentials

This 2.5-hour class is for both moms and dads and focuses on the basics of breastfeeding your newborn. Preparation and education will help you feel more confident as you start this journey. We will also discuss pumps, when to start pumping, milk storage, and returning to work. Classes are taught by Certified Lactation Consultants. Plan to attend this class prior to your delivery so you will feel more confident breastfeeding your baby right from the start.

FREE

Visit our Childbirth and Parenting Calendar to find the class that is right for you. Call MWHC Health Link Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for pricing and registration at 540.741.1404.

Moms and Babies Group

New moms and their babies up to six months of age are welcome to attend all groups. This is a great place to meet other new moms. There is no cost for the groups 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. To maintain the comfort and privacy of our moms, we ask that dads not attend, however, grandmas are welcome.

You do not have to be a breastfeeding mother to attend, combination feeding or formula feeding moms and babies are welcome to attend.

These groups are being held virtually. Please call Health Link at 540.741.1404 to be added to the meeting invite, or message us on Facebook or Instagram.

Mary Washington Hospital: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
Stafford Hospital: Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Center for Disease Control Breastfeeding
• Droplet
• La Leche League
• Virginia Breastfeeding Task Force
• Women’s Health Breastfeeding

Download our Breastfeeding Guide created by the MWHC Lactation Services Department, which includes tips and resources to help you get off to a great start.