About Us
The staff at the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington is
committed to optimizing the breastfeeding experience from the
beginning. Supportive classes emphasize healthy and normal breastfeeding variations, with respect and understanding of the unique family. Should challenges arise, skilled technical management of lactation related problems is available. Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) also hold graduate degrees in related health care fields and have several years of experience in breastfeeding assistance.
You can find our frequently asked questions here.
Our Mission
The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington was founded to provide:
A comprehensive lactation education and support program for women, their families, and the community.
An understanding of common variations in the healthy breastfeeding baby.
Skilled technical management of lactation related problems.
Hands-on assistance and instruction in use of breastpumps and breastfeeding supplies.
Our History
Pat Shelly, the Director and founder of The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington, began a home visit practice in the late 80's to support breastfeeding women. After years working as an R.N. in labor and delivery, post partum, and the NICU, she repeatedly encountered new mothers leaving the hospital who felt unsure and misinformed when it came to breastfeeding. Shelly recognized the void between what women need to know, and what they are taught.
In 1997, after ten years of doing home visits, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Shelly established The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington. Her vision was a clinic offering home and office consults, education, group support, and a retail store. Originally based in Columbia Hospital for
Women, the Breastfeeding Center relocated to its current home
on K Street in 2002.
Today, an average of 3000 women a year from all backgrounds find the support and education they need at the Breastfeeding Center. At every play group, playground, music class, and preschool, you will find women who credit the Breastfeeding Center as the sole reason they were able to overcome their initial confusion about breastfeeding, move past a lack of support from family members, identify their specific breastfeeding issues, make the transition back to work, longterm breastfeeding, and more. The seasoned staff at the Breastfeeding Center use compassion and consideration when it comes to assisting every family they meet. Through private home or office consults, a wide array of supportive classes, access to educational materials and breastfeeding supplies, women will find an open door and the friendly faces of experience at The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington.