Breastfeeding is a beautiful, yet sometimes challenging journey that many new moms embark on with high hopes. Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, having the right support across the entirety of your breastfeeding journey can make all the difference. That’s where trained and certified lactation support professionals and peer counselors come in!

Sure, the internet is a great place for general resources, but there’s nothing like one-on-one personalized guidance to answer your most pressing questions and help you navigate the ups and downs of your specific situation with confidence. From mastering latching techniques to boosting your milk supply and gaining confidence, and even connecting you with a community of other breastfeeding moms, the benefits of lactation support are invaluable.

We’re thrilled to be able to provide no-cost (yes, free!) breastfeeding education and dedicated lactation support to any women who needs it through a generous grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

We love to see moms-to-be during pregnancy so they can get educated and prepared to breastfeed. Our team can also see you following your baby’s birth to answer specific questions and troubleshoot any issues right by your side. 

Here’s a closer look at why seeking lactation counseling can set you and your baby up for long-term success.

1.       Personalized Guidance: Lactation support professionals provide tailored advice and guidance specific to your needs and challenges, helping you navigate breastfeeding and learn the ropes with confidence.

2.       Improved Breastfeeding Techniques: You’ll learn about proper latching techniques and comfortable breastfeeding positions to reduce discomfort and address potential issues like nipple pain or damage. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt! If it does, schedule an appointment with us ASAP.

3.       Increased Milk Supply: Lactation counseling can help address concerns about milk supply, offering strategies to boost and maintain adequate milk production. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you can produce. We can talk you through all kinds of tips and suggestions for increasing milk supply if needed.

4.       Problem Solving: We can help identify and resolve common breastfeeding problems such as mastitis, engorgement, or clogged ducts. MFHS team members have seen it all and many of our team has experienced — and resolved — these issues on their own breastfeeding journey, too.

5.       Enhanced Nutrition for Baby’s Health: Breastfeeding for any duration of time supports your baby’s growth and development, providing optimal nutrition and strengthening their immune system. PS —During your visit, ask us about how MFHS’ WIC nutrition program to help kickstart a healthy food journey in your baby’s first few years.

6.       Emotional Support: When you’re able to talk with someone who gets it — someone who has been there and understands what you’re going through — you’ll naturally feel more confident and less stressed about breastfeeding. Emotional support can also positively impact your overall well-being. We can help you get confident when breastfeeding in public or around family members and help you maintain your breastfeeding journey if you are planning to transition back to school or work.

7.       Long-term Breastfeeding Success: Access to ongoing support increases the likelihood of continuing breastfeeding for as long as you and your baby wish, promoting long-term health benefits. Did you know the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years of age or beyond? If you would like to breastfeed for the longer-term, MFHS Certified Lactation Counselors and Peer Educators can help you make a customized plan.

8.       Educational Resources: Sure, there is a lot you can learn about breastfeeding online, but is it all true? Do you have time to check into the source of all advice? Most of us don’t! But our team members have completed a robust training program and are required to stay up-to-date in the lactation field. They have access to valuable, trusted information on topics like breastfeeding while returning to work, breast milk storage guidelines, weaning, baby weight gain expectations, and more to equip you with medically-reviewed resources for the various stages of breastfeeding.

9.       Community Connection: We can also connect you to regional breastfeeding support groups, breastfeeding coalitions, local La Leche League groups, trustworthy online lactation resources, and other breastfeeding mothers who are learning the ropes just like you! Finding a sense of community, being able to share experiences, and connect with other moms for advice and support often proves invaluable on a breastfeeding journey.

Any pregnant and/or parenting woman in our service area (whether or not you are an MFHS client) can connect with our Certified Lactation Counselors and Breastfeeding Peer Educators for no-cost in-personal or virtual (telehealth) support. 

Call 570-273-1288 to reach an MFHS Care Navigator who can schedule your appointment.

When you’re ready, we’d love to meet you and your baby!