Breastfeeding is a natural source of the key nutrients needed during your infant's first year. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed for at least the first twelve months of life. Even though a mother's body has everything it needs to provide nourishment to her baby, the act of breastfeeding is a skill that has to be learned by both mother and child.
Penn Ob/Gyn Care provides breastfeeding support via classes, discussion groups, and lactation consultants. In addition, the Solutions for Women at Pennsylvania Hospital sells a variety of maternity, breastfeeding and new parent products including pumps, nursing bras, abdominal supports, books and more.
Penn Medicine is also proud to be part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), an international breastfeeding education and support program.
Recognized for Excellence in Lactation Care
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital received the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Care Award for excellence in lactation care. We have International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) on staff and provide a lactation program that is available five to seven days a week for breastfeeding families. Our consultants train our medical staff members who care for new families, and have completed activities that help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
Choosing Not to Breastfeed
Your choice to breastfeed or not to breastfeed is a personal decision. Do not let others negatively influence your decision. For some, breastfeeding is not possible due to varying circumstances or breastfeeding may not be a mother's preferred method of feeding her baby. Some mothers may decide to breastfeed for only a short period of time after her baby is born or supplement with infant formula.
In place of breastfeeding, infant formulas are food products designed to provide for the nutritional needs of infants.