Lactation Services

Conemaugh Health System's Lactation Team consists of three board-certified lactation consultants and three certified lactation counselors. Our lactation consultants are Registered Nurses and are each an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. Expectant and new moms meet with members of our Lactation Team before and after delivery. To schedule an appointment, call (814) 534-9757.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Conemaugh Outpatient Lactation Department.

Best for Baby 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that human milk be a baby's primary source of nutrition for the first year. Benefits of breast milk include:

• Ideal food - has just what baby needs in just the right amounts.
• Breastfed babies are healthier - breast milk provides baby with protection to fight infection. They will have fewer earaches, colds and asthma.
• Provides comfort - breastfed babies have frequent closeness with mom - they feel secure and satisfy their needs.
• Human breast milk is easy to digest - baby will have less colic, constipation and upset stomach.
• Breastfeeding provides protection against allergies.
• Breast milk promotes baby's brain growth and studies suggest that breastfed babies have a higher IQ.
• There is a decrease risk of certain childhood cancers and juvenile diabetes in breastfed children.
• Better tooth, gum and jaw development.

Baby Friendly 10 Steps

Best for Mom and Family

• Breastfeeding saves you money. It's free.
• Breastfeeding is convenient - no mixing, measuring, heating or clean up. Breast milk is always ready when baby needs it.
• Breastfeeding helps you get your shape back faster. Making breast milk uses calories, so you can lose your pregnancy weight faster.
• Breastfeeding lowers your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.
• Still undecided? Read what other moms have to say about breastfeeding.

Additional Resources

• National Breastfeeding Hotline: 800-994-9662
  • Talk with a trained breastfeeding peer counselor in English or Spanish, Monday - Friday, 9 am to 6 pm
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Children's Health Topics
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Pediatric Health Information
  • Insert keyword "breastfeeding"
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention  
• The Federal Government Source for Women's Health Information
• International Lactation Consultant Association 
• La Leche League International
• Maternal and Child Health Library 
• National WIC Association