Breastfeeding Support

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies and has many health benefits for the breastfeeding parent as well. The lactation consultants of Allegheny Health Network work with pregnant women and new moms to support breastfeeding success.

Breastfeeding support at Allegheny Health Network: Why choose us?

In 2018, the Women and Infants Center at AHN West Penn became the first in southwestern PA to win the IBCLC Care Award, and still maintains this award. This award is given jointly by the International Board of Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) in recognition of the highest level of support to breastfeeding families and hospital staff. AHN’s Jefferson, Forbes, and Wexford Hospital also won this award for breastfeeding support excellence.

The IBCLC Care Award is valid for 2 years, and the current list of awardees can be found here.

The benefits of award-winning lactation care and support include:

• One-on-one care: To help you and your baby get off to a great start, a lactation consultant can speak or meet privately with you before you have your baby to help you both get off to a great start. A lactation consultant will also meet with you in the hospital after delivery to answer questions and make sure breastfeeding is going well. Should you need more assistance after discharge, help is only a phone call or office visit away.
• Experience: Our lactation consultants are board-certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. We have extensive experience helping moms master breastfeeding and overcoming any issues.
• Education and support: We offer a variety of support services for breast-feeding moms, including:
  • Breastfeeding classes: Expectant parents can attend classes led by lactation specialists to prepare for getting off to the best start with breastfeeding. Learn more about our pregnancy and childbirth classes.
  • Phone consultations: Lactation consultants are available at all AHN locations with Women and Infant services.  West Penn (412) 578-7030; Jefferson (412) 469-5475; Forbes (412) 858-4195; Wexford (878) 231-5303; St. Vincent (814) 452-7732. If we miss you please leave a message and we will return the call as soon as possible.
  • Support groups: Lactation consultants at Support groups are available at AHN West Penn, AHN Jefferson and AHN Wexford.  The schedule and registration information can be found at www.ahn.org/events or by calling the lactation offices at each location.
• Additional recognitions
  • AHN Jefferson is the first and only hospital in western PA to achieve the Baby-Friendly designation. A global initiative sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and promoted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
  • AHN’s Forbes, Jefferson, West Penn and Wexford Hospitals are all recognized as Keystone 10 designated facilities for quality improvement in breastfeeding.

Breast pumps and supplies at AHN

Most health insurance companies provide new moms with breast pumps. Our on-site medical equipment representatives work with your insurance provider to supply you with a breast pump before you and your baby leave the hospital.

We also offer:

• Retail lactation center: The West Penn Hospital retail store has hospital-grade breast pumps available to rent, as well as nursing and pumping bras.
• Bra fittings: Many of our lactation consultants are also certified bra fitters. We can meet with you in the hospital or after discharge to determine your bra size and ensure a proper, comfortable fit and we have many nursing and hands-free bra options available for purchase.

Additional breastfeeding and lactation resources

• The links below can provide more Information on breastfeeding and lactation services.
• Breast-feeding After Breast and Nipple Surgeries  offers support and advice on breast-feeding after breast and nipple surgeries.
• Breast-feeding.com is a great site for a variety of breast-feeding topics and concerns.
• Renowned Canadian Pediatrician, Dr. Jack Newman offers expert information and guidance on a variety of breast-feeding topics. The website also includes great video links and downloadable handouts.
• Kellymom.com provides evidence based information on breast-feeding and parenting.
• La Leche League International provides evidence based information on a wide range of breast-feeding topics and concerns on their website.
• Droplet » ABCs (firstdroplets.com) provides videos from Jane Morton, a pediatrician and international expert on breastfeeding. Learn the ABCs (Attachment, Breastmilk production, Calories) before D (Delivery).
• Breastfeeding | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)  Print, view, or download breastfeeding resources such as the Your Guide to Breastfeeding booklet, PDF fact sheets, infographics, and videos for new moms and moms in the workplace.

Contact us

Call AHN Lactation Consultants at

West Penn: (412) 578-7030

Jefferson (412) 469-5475

Forbes: (412) 858-4195

Wexford: (878) 231-5303

St. Vincent: (814) 452-7732

For help or to make your appointment for breastfeeding services.