Lactation Services
The Lactation Department within Mary Washington Healthcare is a resource
for breastfeeding mothers and babies in our community. 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 lactation consultation, call the MWHC Lactation
Department at 540.741.4465.
**You do not have to have delivered your baby at one of our hospitals
to use this service.**
Lactation Warm Line - 540.741.4465
If a full outpatient consultation is not needed, new moms can call the
Lactation Warm Line 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.
If you have breastfeeding concerns after hours that need to be addressed
immediately, the warm line will connect you to a Health Link nurse that
can assist you.
Breast Pumps
Pump Rentals Resources in the Community
Homecare America (Mary Washington Healthcare) 540-741-3538
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 Classes
Breastfeeding: Great Beginnings and Beyond -
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
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, combination feeding
or formula feeding moms and babies are welcome to attend. This class is located in the Carl D. Silver Auditorium (rear entrance of
the Moss Free Clinic) each Wednesday 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.. For more information,
please call 540.741.4465.
Visit our
Women and Children 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: