If you are breastfeeding for the first time, it can be useful to see a lactation consultant within 1-2 weeks after delivery, even if you think breastfeeding is going well. If you are having challenges, lactation consultants and support groups are especially helpful.
Lactation services are generally covered by most commercial insurance companies. Please check with the lactation consultant to find out the most updated fee information. Several free resources are also listed.
You can find the Pennsylvania lactation consultant listing here.
NJ residents can go to www.zipmilk.com
There are two main certifications for lactation consultants. Check to see which one your consultant has.
- CLC – Certified Lactation Counselor – Basic training in common breastfeeding
- IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant – Highest level of training and certification
Pacify App
Free app for Philadelphia residents Philadelphia Department of Public Health: that offers 24/7 access to video consultations with a lactation consultant.
- Download the Pacify app and enter sign-up code “HUP”
Solutions for Women at Pennsylvania Hospital
700 Spruce Street, Duncan Building, Basement Suite 3
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-829-5046
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-5pm
- Covered through commercial insurance
- $20 fee for patients with Medicaid or Medical Assistance
Breastfeeding Resource Center
1355 Old York Rd.
Suite 101
Abington, PA 19001
215-886-2433
Congreso
216 West Somerset Street
Philadelphia, PA 19133
215-763-8870 x1312
- Offers bilingual (English/Spanish) breast feeding education and support to pregnant and postpartum women onsite, at local health centers, and by telephone.
Lifecycle Woman Care
918 County Line Rd
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-525-6086
South Philadelphia location, 1214 Moore Street
- Offers individual consultations and breastfeeding support groups
The Village South Jersey Breastfeeding and Wellness
421 N. Haddon Avenue
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-942-4305
- Individual lactation consults
- Weekly support group on Tuesdays 11-12:15pm
- First group is free, then $5/session
Pettaway Pursuit Foundation
11 Owen Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
610-553-5479
- Offers free 60-minute lactation consultations with a Certified Lactation Counselor, virtual or in-person
- Virtual and in-person support group, first and third Fridays of the month, 1-2 pm, register on the website under “Events and Giveaways”
Philadelphia City Health Centers
- Free individual support from a certified lactation counselor
- Do not need to be a patient of a Health Center to receive support
- Listing of locations and times for drop-in help
- Or call for more information:
- Ana Tapia, CBC: (610) 203-9840 (bilingual breastfeeding support in English and Spanish)
- Marlene Gawarkiewicz, IBCLC: (267) 226-4884
- Galissa Jones, CLC (267) 474-3752
- Ta’Hirah Williams, CLC: (267) 506-4118
Breastfeeding Support Groups: (not a complete listing)
Breastfeeding support groups offer a way to learn from other breastfeeding parents, and are usually led by a lactation consultant. It is also a great way to make friends and feel less alone while parenting a newborn. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many groups have moved online.
HUP Breastfeeding Support Group
3400 Spruce Street, 1st Floor Ravdin Building, Family Care Giver Center
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-662-2361
- Free
- In-person breastfeeding support group on Thursdays, 12 pm- 1 pm, in the Family Care Giver Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Virtual option via meeting link here or download the Bluejeans app, and enter meeting code : 5603587242
- Virtual “Making it Work with Breastfeeding” class offered monthly, which covers strategies for continuing to breastfeed after going back to work or school.
CHOP Karabots Pediatric Care Center
4865 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-590-4442
- Please contact Jessica at clymerj@email.chop.edu
Center City Pediatrics
1740 South Street, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215-735-5600
- Breastfeeding support group Thursdays 11-12:30
- Classes only $20 (register online or onsite)
Congreso
216 West Somerset Street
Philadelphia, PA 19133
215-763-8870 x1312
- Offers bilingual (English/Spanish) support group on the 3rd Wednesday
Bae Cafe: Breastfeeding Awareness and Empowerment
- Instagram: @bae_hood
- Weekly online breastfeeding and parenting support group which aims to protect, promote and uplift Black breastfeeding
- Tuesdays at 5 pm on Zoom, register on website or through links on Instagram.
- Virtual and in-person support groups
Lilypad
1234 S Broad Steet
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Pettaway Pursuit Foundation
11 Owen Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
610-553-5479
1355 Old York Rd.
Suite 101
Abington, PA 19001
215-886-2433
- Virtual and in-person support groups
- Virtual support groups meet on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 AM-12 PM via Zoom.
- Contact Nikki at ngraham@lifecyclewomancare.org to register
The Village South Jersey Breastfeeding and Wellness
421 N. Haddon Avenue
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-942-4305
La Leche League of Philadelphia
610-666-0359.
- Meetings held twice a month, call for schedule
Maternity Care Coalition Breastfeeding Support
100 East Lehigh Ave, Episcopal Hospital
Philadelphia, PA 19125
215-707-1010
- Breastfeeding workshops on Thursdays from 10am-12pm
Thomas Jefferson Hospital Drop In Clinic
Jefferson Pediatrics
833 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-955-6665
- Thursdays from 11:30-1:30
The Village South Jersey Breastfeeding and Wellness
421 N. Haddon Avenue
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
856-942-4305