The Family Birth Place Lactation Department at Mary Washington Healthcare
is an extensive resource for breastfeeding mothers and babies in our community.
Our lactation consultants are highly-trained nurses who are also certified
by the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants.
Inpatient Lactation 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.
Outpatient Lactation 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.
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.
If you are not insured, self-pay options are available.
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.
Breast Pumps
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 Class
Breastfeeding Essentials
This FREE 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.
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 Groups
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.
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.
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