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 the Patient Access Office. Consultations usually last between 1 - 1.5 hours.

There is a fee for consultations and the charges can be filed to your health insurance. Please call your insurance provider to verify specific coverage as this varies greatly.

If a full outpatient consultation is not needed, new moms can call the Lactation Services Department to address your breastfeeding concerns over the phone. If a lactation consultant is not available to speak with you immediately, your phone call will be returned by the next business day.

To schedule a lactation consultation, please call the MWHC Lactation Services Department - 540.741.4465*

*You do not have to have delivered your baby at one of our hospitals to use these 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. Before your baby arrives, we offer classes to help prepare you for nursing. At the birthing centers at MWHC, our mother-baby nurses are available to support you. We also have certified lactation consultants to help you and your baby get off to a good start while you are in the hospital. After you go home, lactation consultants are available by phone daily to answer questions or schedule appointments. We offer free weekly Moms & Babies groups, led by a certified lactation consultant.

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. The nurse will meet with you and determine your personal needs. If your baby is admitted to our NICU, our lactation consultant is also there to assist you with any special requirements. We can also provide lacation services to a mother and/or baby in any unit within our hospitals.

The Lactation Department may be reached by phone at 540.741.4465. You may leave a message and someone can call you back within 12 hours, or you can follow the prompts to reach a Health Link nurse anytime, day or night. Most outpatient consultations are covered by insurance. Mothers who come in for an appointment will need to register at the Patient Access department prior to the visit.

After Hours Assistance
If you have breastfeeding concerns after hours that need to be addressed immediately, the Lactation Services Department phone number will forward you to a Health Link nurse who can assist you, or you can call Health Link Nurse Line direct at 540.741.1000.

Pump Rentals
Medical Arts Pharmacy (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.

$25/couple

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

Moms and Babies Group

New mothers and their babies up to six months of age are welcome to attend all groups. This is a great place to meet other new mothers. 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.

Mary Washington Hospital: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. at John F. Fick III Conference Center
Stafford Hospital: Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in lower level classrooms
Working Moms @ Stafford Hospital: 4th Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in Classrooms 5/6 (lower level)

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