Women & Babies Hospital was the first hospital in Pennsylvania to earn the Baby-Friendly® hospital designation. This international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies or feed formula safely.
- Prenatal and postnatal education to help moms make informed choices about infant feeding and supporting them in attaining their goals.
- Breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
- Couplet care accommodations for parents and babies to room in together to enhance bonding.
- Skin-to-skin contact to help baby transition from life inside of mom to life outside. This helps regulate baby's body temperature, heart rate and blood glucose, and promotes bonding. Fathers can participate as well.
Breastfeeding Benefits
As a Baby-Friendly hospital, our nurses, staff, providers and practices follow the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The health benefits of breastfeeding are well documented and include increased immunity for your baby, along with a decreased risk of asthma, obesity and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Mothers also benefit with decreased risk for breast, uterine and ovarian cancer, and increased bone and heart health.
Our Breastfeeding Support Program offers comprehensive lactation services ranging from breastfeeding classes for expectant mothers, to advice when you are ready to wean your child. Services include in-hospital visits, outpatient consultations, and a phone line for questions: 717-544-3335.
Breastfeeding Classes
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class—Learning to Breastfeed
There are many reasons to breastfeed, but it can be a frustrating experience if you’re not prepared. Join our certified lactation consultant to learn why breastfeeding is so beneficial for your baby and to get practical how-to information that will help you continue to breastfeed after you leave the hospital. We’ll also discuss the emotional and physical effects of nursing on both you and your baby.
- When should I take this class? Any time during pregnancy or after baby is born.
Sign up now.
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
It IS possible to provide your baby with breast milk after you go back to work; it just takes a bit of planning. We can help you figure it all out and return to work with confidence. Topics include: getting out of the house in the morning, working with your childcare provider, pumping and storing breast milk, types of pumps and how to safeguard your milk supply. Babies are welcome.
- When should I take this class? Any time during pregnancy or after baby is born.
Babies are also welcome.
Sign up now.
Breast Pump Rental
Our cost-effective breast pump rental program provides you with a state-of-the-art Medela electric pump and enables your baby to receive breast milk for only pennies a day. Monthly rentals for long-term pumping are available.