Breastfeeding Your Newborn
The choice to breastfeed is one of the most important decisions you will make for yourself and your baby. The International Board Certified Lactation Consultants® (IBCLCs) at Inova Alexandria Hospital are here to help you succeed and make breastfeeding a satisfying experience.
We are:
- Sensitive to families' different cultural needs
- Eager to "meet the mother where she is" during the breastfeeding experience
- Available to help the mother plan for how to continue breastfeeding if she returns to the workplace
All services are by appointment. The breastfeeding center and lactation boutique is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Sunday.
Prenatal breastfeeding services
InovaWell prenatal breastfeeding classes – Prenatal consults with a breastfeeding medicine specialist for mothers with medical problems that could cause breastfeeding difficulty
Lactation services during your stay
- Bedside breastfeeding evaluations and problem solving as needed
- Neonatal intensive care nursery visits for premature infants or infants with special needs
- Multidisciplinary team approach to breastfeeding issues with your obstetrician/nurse
Outpatient breastfeeding services
- In-person latch checks
- Wednesdays 2 – 3 p.m.
- For patients who delivered at Inova Alexandria Hospital with infants less than 14 days old
- Participation is free and registration is not required
- Meet on the third floor in the Lactation Center
- Checks are conducted by IBCLC certified nurses
- Outpatient lactation consultation – not currently available, please contact Inova Women's Hospital for this service
- Lactation phone support – Please leave a detailed message at 703-504-PUMP (7867).
- Hospital-grade breast pump rentals
- Nursing bra fittings
- Patients with complex breastfeeding and lactation issues will be referred to Inova Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine
- Virtual breastfeeding support group – meets every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Register here