Breastfeeding

Doylestown Health offers support and guidance for mothers who choose to breastfeed. Studies have shown breastfed infants tend to have fewer illnesses, are less likely to develop allergies and have lower incidence of diabetes and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). There are advantages for the mother as well, including reduced risk of breast cancer and heart disease, and cost savings compared to formula feeding. Breast milk is nature’s perfect food with nutrients and cells that boost immunity. For these reasons and more, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends that infants are breastfed for the first year of life.

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it is easy. Many moms find it challenging in the first few weeks while you and your baby are learning this new skill. Breastfeeding is a journey, so no matter how long you plan to nurse your baby, we want to help you meet your goals. Pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) is available for parents who choose exclusive breastfeeding and supplementation is medically necessary.

Doylestown Health is proud to be a Keystone 10 Designated Hospital by the PA Department of Health for providing breastfeeding support following the World Health Organization’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

Many new mothers understandably have questions about breastfeeding. At Doylestown Health's VIA Maternity Center, we provide the education, support and encouragement needed on this parenting journey.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes

By educating families on the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as skin-to-skin, recognizing early feeding cues, the basics of milk production and optimal positioning and latching, new parents are more prepared and confident in caring for their new baby.

Register for a breastfeeding class

Lactation Consultants

Doylestown Health is a proud recipient of the IBCLC Care Award in recognition of staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification and for providing an evidence-based lactation program that is available to support breastfeeding families. Our highly skilled and compassionate lactation consultants are committed to helping mothers and babies reach their breastfeeding goals and are available 7 days a week, including holidays, to provide optimal care and education. When you are in the hospital, don’t be afraid to ask for extra help if you need it. All of our nurses are here to help with breastfeeding.

Pump Rentals

We have hospital-grade breast pumps (Medela Symphony) available for rental. These pumps are helpful for mothers who have a premature/ICN baby or any mom that needs extra stimulation to help increase their milk supply. Call 215.345.2200 ext.4637 for more information about pump rentals.

Personal breast pumps are covered by health insurance according to the ACA (Affordable Care Act), so contact your insurance provider for more information.

Support Once You are Home

Join our FREE weekly support group meetings:

Breastfeeding Mothers’ Group

Join us for an opportunity to meet other breastfeeding mothers, share experiences and get your baby weighed. Facilitated by an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, we can answer your questions and provide assistance with positioning, latching, pumping and more.

• In-person every Wednesday at 10am – Levy Conference Room, Ambulatory Center, 1st floor
• Virtual Zoom meetings every Thursday from 10 to 11 am

Join Our Private Facebook group
*You must answer the questions to join

Clinical Outpatient Lactation Care (unaffiliated with Doylestown Health)

Board-certified lactation consultants are available for home or office consults on a fee-for-service basis. Your insurance may cover the cost of the consult, so contact them ahead of time.

• Pro-LC: Pennsylvania resource organization for lactation consultants
• USLCA: Find a lactation consultant

Helpful Websites

• Kelly Mom: Comprehensive, up-to-date, evidence-based breastfeeding information
• Infant Risk: Information concerning medications and breastfeeding
• First Droplets: Breastfeeding information from experts at Stanford University

Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

Step 1: Have a written infant feeding policy that is routinely communicated to staff and parents.

Step 2: Ensure that staff have sufficient knowledge, competence and skills to support breastfeeding.

Step 3: Discuss the importance and management of breastfeeding with pregnant women and their families.

Step 4: Facilitate immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and support mothers to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.

Step 5: Support mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and manage common difficulties.

Step 6: Do not provide breastfed newborns any food or fluids other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.

Step 7: Enable mothers and their infants to remain together and to practice rooming-in 24 hours a day.

Step 8: Support mothers to recognize and respond to their infants’ cues for feeding.

Step 9: Counsel mothers on the use and risks of feeding bottles, teats and pacifiers.

Step 10: Coordinate discharge so that parents and their infants have timely access to ongoing support and care.

Source: WHO (World Health Organization), 2018