Breastfeeding Consultation
Breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions you will make for your baby. Inova is fully committed to offering comprehensive lactation services and support at each of our birth centers to assist mothers. Support is especially important and helpful in special medical situations such as breastfeeding a premature or sick newborn.
We Can Help with Your Breastfeeding Concerns
Breastfeeding Medicine can assist with many breastfeeding related issues that mothers may face, including:
- Latch difficulty
- Infant slow weight gain
- Tongue-tie assessment and frenotomy
- Low milk production
- Oversupply, engorgement or plugged milk ducts
- Nipple pain or injury
- Breast and nipple infections
- Prematurity
- Feeding of twins/multiples
- Weaning
- Breastfeeding following maternal breast surgery
- Pumping and/or returning to work
- Inducing lactation for adoption
Hospital Lactation Consultations and Boutiques
For more information about breastfeeding consultation services at Inova, see details below:
Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Service (Outpatient)
The Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Program at Inova combines expert clinical experience with dedicated, personalized care to allow each mother to find the best version of breastfeeding success for herself and her baby. Learn more
Breastfeeding Services at Inova
Our consultants work with you and your baby, sensitive to your cultural needs
Inova offers international board-certified lactation consultants who provide the following services:
- Private lactation consultations, including weight checks and nursing bra fittings
- Breastfeeding advice by phone
- Breastfeeding in challenging situations, such as premature or sick infants, infants in special medical situations, or breastfeeding twins or triplets
- Basic position and latch of the infant
- Practices that promote successful breastfeeding
- Preventing and managing common concerns such as poor latch, inadequate milk transfer or supply, nipple or breast pain, and calming a fussy baby
- Milk expression and storage for mothers who must be separated from their babies
- Strategies for breastfeeding after returning to work
- Breastpump information, rental and sales
- Breastfeeding supplies, including nursing bras and apparel, nursing pads and pillows, lanolin and milk storage bags
Why is breastfeeding best for my baby?
Good Reasons to Breastfeed
Breast milk provides all the nutrients and antibodies your baby needs. Breastfed babies and their breastfeeding mothers benefit from numerous health benefits.
Breastfed babies have less:
- Respiratory and ear infections
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Doctor visits
Mothers who breastfeed have less:
- Post-partum hemorrhage
- Post-partum depression
- Cancers, such as breast and endometrial
- Lost work time
Mother and Baby Support Group
Breastfeeding Mother's Support Group at Inova Women's Hospital
This group meets every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. on the 7th floor of Inova Women's Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church and is open to mothers and babies. Breastfeeding concerns discussed include milk supply, maintaining breastfeeding when returning to work, breastfeeding in public and breast pumping. Meet other breastfeeding mothers in a safe, private group setting with a lactation consultant facilitator. No fee or registration required. Group does not meet on holidays or days Fairfax County cancels school for weather conditions. Parking is $5. Call 703-776-6455 for additional information.
