The Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Center’s mission is to make BMC Health System a breastfeeding-supportive and knowledgeable institution that supports all BMC patients in meeting their infant feeding intentions. [Learn How BMC Supports Breastfeeding](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/resources-patients/how-bmc-supports-breastfeeding) ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/37d700d8-2ce3-4d4d-8e40-960c8f2eaea5/iStock-1319065595?io=transform:fill,width:350,gravity:top&format=webp) ## Our Work We are addressing our patients’ needs through innovation, research, advocacy, training and expanding clinical services for lactation, including: - **Establishing long-needed outpatient clinical breastfeeding services.** We founded the first breastfeeding medicine clinic at BMC, the Breastfeeding Equity Center, in December 2021 with two providers, and as of September 2022 had served over 200 mother–baby dyads. We plan to expand providers/sessions and add an e-consult service to meet demand as well as increase collaboration across various departments to support additional lactation resources. - **Increasing lactation education and training.** We manage a medical student breastfeeding elective and have obstetrics and family medicine residents attend clinic sessions. With expanded clinical sessions, we plan to host more learners, particularly community members and staff from under-represented groups similar to our patient population. - **Conducting equity-focused research and quality monitoring.** We monitor breastfeeding rates by race and other demographic and clinical characteristics in order to direct interventions where they are needed most. The Center brings investigators together to foster collaboration on breastfeeding research that impacts our patients, our community, and beyond. - **Advocating for lactating families at BMC and beyond.** In addition to continuing to ensure [Baby-Friendly](https://www.babyfriendlyusa.org/ "Baby-Friendly USA: Upholding the Highest Standards of Infant Feeding Care (babyfriendlyusa.org)") care at BMC and [access to lactation support](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/resources-patients/how-bmc-supports-breastfeeding "Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology: Division of Obstetrics: Resources for Patients: How BMC Supports Breastfeeding | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"), we are connecting with colleagues and organizations across Massachusetts to support lactating families across the state. Recent work includes presenting to our colleagues about non-gestational lactating parents and writing a policy on management of antenatally-expressed breastmilk in the hospital. ## Our Team ### Katherine R. Standish, MD, MS, NABBLM-C ![Headshot of Katherine R. Standish, MD, MS, NABBLM-C, family medicine physician and lactation medicine specialist at Boston Medical Center](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/248c924e-1ba6-4d7b-b63a-17b0e9ac38c9/Katherine-R-Standish-MD-MS-NABBLM-C-2x3-crop?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) Family Medicine Physician; Founder and Co-Director, Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Center ### Main Location BMC, Dowling Building [850 Harrison Ave. 5th Floor Boston, MA 02118](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?q=850+Harrison+Ave.%2C+Boston%2C+MA+02118) ### Contact [617.638.8000](tel:617.638.8000) Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ### Existing Patients Online: [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/)By phone: [Call 617.638.8000](tel:617.638.8000) ### New Patients By phone: [Call 617.638.8000](tel:617.638.8000) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Phone: [617.638.8000](tel:617.638.8000) Close Dialog [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/doctor/katherine-r-standish-md-ms-nabblm-c) ### Emily C. Swisher-Rosa, MSN, WHNP-BC, CNM, IBCLC ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/fb56aa46-376c-445a-adce-bf7a1f8bfc07/2363x3542?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) Certified Nurse-Midwife; Co-Director, Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Center ### Main Location BMC, Shapiro Center [725 Albany St. 5th Floor Boston, MA 02118](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?q=725+Albany+St.%2C+Boston%2C+MA+02118) ### Contact [617.414.2000](tel:617.414.2000) Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ### Existing Patients Online: [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/)By phone: [Call 617.414.2000](tel:617.414.2000) ### New Patients By phone: [Call 617.414.2000](tel:617.414.2000) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Fax: 617.414.5798 Phone: [617.414.2000](tel:617.414.2000) Close Dialog [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/doctor/emily-c-swisher-rosa-msn-whnp-bc-cnm-ibclc) ### Barbara L. Philipp, MD ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/cf2ce4ff-996c-4d65-99e0-7539e8f75df2/Philipp-Barbara?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) Pediatric Hospitalist ### Main Location 840 Harrison Ave 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02118 ### Contact [617.414.4363](tel:617.414.4363) Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ### Existing Patients Online: [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/)By phone: [Call 617.414.4363](tel:617.414.4363) ### New Patients By phone: [Call 617.414.4363](tel:617.414.4363) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Fax: +16174143999 Phone: [617.414.4363](tel:617.414.4363) Close Dialog [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/doctor/barbara-l-philipp-md) ### Wilberthe Pilate, RN, IBCLC ![Placeholder image for doctor](/themes/custom/bmc_base_theme/assets/images/placeholders/headshoticon-v2.svg) Lactation Consultant ### Main Location 850 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118 ### Contact [617.638.8000](tel:617.638.8000) Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ### Existing Patients Online: [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/)By phone: [Call 617.638.8000](tel:617.638.8000) ### New Patients By phone: [Call 617.638.8000](tel:617.638.8000) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Phone: [617.638.8000](tel:617.638.8000) Close Dialog [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/doctor/wilberthe-pilate-rn-ibclc) ## Resources for Patients Please reach out to your BMC provider if you are looking for clinical support with breastfeeding/chestfeeding concerns. ### Before Baby Is Born These websites and resources can help you get ready. Some may also be helpful to go back to after baby is born, or if you weren’t able to read them before baby came: - [Droplet]( https://firstdroplets.com/ "Droplet (firstdroplets.com)"): This website features excellent videos on how to hand express breastmilk and get started in the first hours and days. - [Hand Expression of Breastmilk](https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html "Video: Hand Expression of Breast Milk | Stanford Medicine (med.stanford.edu)"): This video from Stanford Medicine shows how to express milk from the breast without the use of cumbersome pumps. - [The Sacred Hour](https://www.chihealth.com/services/maternity/labor-and-delivery#content-20136703604 "Labor and Delivery: The Sacred Hour | CHI Health (chihealth.com)"): Via CHI Health, learn how holding your baby skin-to-skin on your chest for the first hour after birth helps establish breastfeeding and transition your baby into the world. - [Stanford’s Short Course on Breastfeeding](https://www.coursera.org/learn/breastfeeding): This free, one-week virtual class from Stanford University is offered by Coursera. ### After Baby Is Born The following programs can help you connect with a skilled lactation specialist: - The Boston Breastfeeding Coalition Warmline is staffed even days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by lactation specialists and peer counselors. - Call [857.301.8259](tel:857.301.8259) or email . - Leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. - The BMC Breastfeeding Warmline is staffed by BMC lactation consultants and response time is usually within 24 to 48 hours. - Call [617.414.6455](tel:617.414.6455). - In greater Boston, the [Vital Village Breastfeeding Coalition](https://www.vitalvillage.org/projects/breastfeeding-coalition/find-a-group "Find a Group | Vital Village (vitalvillage.org)") offers virtual and in-person breastfeeding support groups. - [La Leche League of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont](https://www.lllmarivt.org/findagroup "Find a Group | La Leche League of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont (lllmarivt.org)") offers support by phone as well as local/regional support groups. - For eligible patients, [Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC)](http://www.mass.gov/wic "Find a Group | La Leche League of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont (lllmarivt.org)") peer counselors can help with lactation questions. - [ZipMilk](https://www.zipmilk.org/ "ZipMilk: Neighborhood Breastfeeding Help Is a Click Away (zipmilk.org)") offers a directory of local/regional breast and chestfeeding support groups, lactation consultants, and breastfeeding medicine specialists. ### Recommended Websites, Books, and Handouts These may help answer many common breastfeeding concerns. But you should never hesitate to reach out to your BMC provider as issues come up, in case you might need clinical care. **Websites** - [Kellymom](http://www.kellymom.com/ "KellyMom (kellymom.com)"): This site has excellent information on most topics related to breastfeeding, human milk, and pumping. - [La Leche League International](https://llli.org/ "La Leche League International (llli.org)"): This long-established group has expert information available in many languages. - [Physician Guide to Breastfeeding](https://physicianguidetobreastfeeding.org/ "Physician Guide to Breastfeeding (physicianguidetobreastfeeding.org)"): From one of the leading clinical experts in breastfeeding medicine, Dr. Katrina Mitchell, this website has evidence-based information for families. **Books** - Breastfeeding Made Simple: 7 Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers - Nursing Mother, Working Mother - The Nursing Mother’s Companion - The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers - The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding **Handouts** - CDC Info Sheet: How to Keep Your Breast Pump Kit Clean (PDF) - [English](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Obstetrics/breast-pump-fact-sheet.pdf "CDC Infosheet: How to Keep Your Breast Pump Kit Clean (PDF, English)") - [Spanish/Español](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Obstetrics/breast-pump-fact-sheet-sp.pdf "CDC Información: Cómo mantener limpio el extractor de leche materna (PDF, Español)") - BMC Guide to Breastfeeding a Baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PDF) - [English](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Obstetrics/NICU_Lactation-Educational-Materials.pdf "BMC Guide to Breastfeeding Your Baby in the NICU (PDF, English)") - [Arabic](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Obstetrics/Current%20Welcome_Packet_Arabic%208.11.17.pdf "BMC Guide to Breastfeeding Your Baby in the NICU (PDF, Arabic)") - [Haitian Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Obstetrics/Current%20Welcome_Packet_Haitian%20Creole%208.11.17.pdf "BMC Enfòmasyon: Lèt Tete se Miyè Lèt la Pou Tibebe ki Fèt Anvan lè (PDF, Kreyòl Ayisyen)") - [Spanish/Español](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Obstetrics/Current%20Welcome_Packet_Spanish%208.11.17.pdf "BMC Información: La leche materna es lo mejor para bebés prematuros (PDF, Español)") ### Parenting Help Having a new child can be a stressful time. Your BMC providers are available to help if you are experiencing stress or difficulties taking care of yourself or your child, or just need someone to talk to. In addition, the following resources may be helpful: - [Parents Helping Parents](https://parentshelpingparents.org/ "Parents Helping Parents (parentshelpingparents.org)") offers a confidential, anonymous, 24/7 parental stress line. - Call [800.632.8188](tel:800.632.8188). - [Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts](https://familynurturing.org/ "Family Nurturing Center (familynurturing.org)") provides parenting support and education as well as support groups and family-friendly events. - Call [617.474.1143](tel:617.474.1143). - The [City of Boston Healthy Baby, Healthy Child Initiative](https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/childrens-and-newborn-health/healthy-baby-healthy-child "Healthy Baby, Healthy Child | City of Boston (boston.gov)") provides free, voluntary, and confidential home visits to pregnant and parenting families in Boston. - Call [800.711.1180](tel:800.711.1180). - The [City of Boston Father Friendly Initiative](https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/childrens-and-newborn-health/father-friendly "Father Friendly | City of Boston (boston.gov)") works to support fathers in staying involved with their families before, during, and after the birth of their children. - Call [617.534.9525](tel:617.534.9525). ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/310cb560-5265-41e4-9ed3-a22522b99c99/iStock-951017092?io=transform:fill,width:350,gravity:top&format=webp) Advanced Support for Patients## Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic The BMC Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic cares for lactating patients and their infants with complex breastfeeding problems that require medical management. BMC Health System patients can be referred to the clinic by a BMC provider or lactation consultant. Lactation consultants outside of BMC can contact the clinic directly to place referrals. The clinic is located physically within the BMC Obstetrics & Gynecology outpatient clinic and offers telemedicine/virtual as well as in-person appointments. ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/afe72eef-6065-42b8-8831-1be34c73d3f4/shutterstock_251907310?io=transform:fill,width:350,gravity:top&format=webp) ## Boston Baby Cafés Free, drop-in breastfeeding support, in-person or online Breastfeeding can be hard. “Baby cafés” are free drop-in sessions that offer breastfeeding support from trained lactation professionals and information for new and soon-to-be mothers in the community. A baby café is a place where you can join a relaxed, informal, and safe group environment for help, if you are: - Pregnant and interested in breastfeeding - Already breastfeeding and want to meet other moms - Seeking answers to your breastfeeding questions For in-person events, light snacks are served. Virtual meetups are also available. No appointment or registration is needed. Partners and young siblings are welcome! In the Boston area, Baby Cafés are supported by the [Vital Village Breastfeeding Coalition](https://www.vitalvillage.org/projects/breastfeeding-coalition "Breastfeeding Coalition | Vital Village (vitalvillage.org)"). For more information, email . [View Baby Café Event Calendar](https://bostonbreastfeeding.weebly.com/virtual-support-groups.html) [Learn about Baby Cafés](https://www.babycafeusa.org/) For Medical Professionals## Breastfeeding Task Force The Breastfeeding Task Force brings together staff and providers from throughout BMC and the Boston HealthNet Community Health Centers (CHCs) to address issues of patient care, equity, and employee protections around lactation. We invite departmental champions and other stakeholders to join these quarterly meetings in order to ensure sharing of best practices and cross-institution collaboration. Please contact [Katherine.Standish@bmc.org](mailto:katherine.standish@bmc.org) for details. ## Resources for Providers Referring and Scheduling E-Consults Educational Resources Referring and Scheduling E-Consults Educational Resources ## Referring and Scheduling - **From within BMC:** In Epic, choose “Referral to Breastfeeding Clinic.” Choose indication, or select “other” (use “other” for prenatal consults). - **From a BMC HealthNet Community Health Center:** Use BMC Epic (or contact a colleague who has an Epic login) and send a referral as described above. - **From outside the BMC Health System:** Instruct your patient to call the OB/GYN clinic at [617.414.2000](tel:617.414.2000). Please include both the birthing parent (mother)’s and baby’s information in the referral (MRN is ideal). Remind your patients that baby must attend with the birthing parent, unless baby is still in the hospital. ## E-Consults An e-consult is a provider-to-provider communication for which the specialist does not physically see the patient, but which is billed to insurance. The referring provider should pose a specific question within the e-consult. Any provider who may be caring for a lactating or pregnant patient or breastfeeding child (whether in a maternity care setting or elsewhere, for example ED, surgery, ICU, or adult primary care) might consider placing an e-consult. **Common Reasons for E-Consult** Common reasons for e-consult include: - Breast mass or other breast pathology in lactating/pregnant patient - Imaging contrast and other breastmilk safety questions - Mastitis spectrum, plugged ducts, or other nipple/breast infection - Maternal illness or hospitalization - Maternal medication - Nipple/breast pain or engorgement - Prenatal consults for people with comorbidities such as diabetes, PCOS, history of breast surgery, chronic medical conditions, substance use disorder, or history of significant lactation problems with prior children - Other issues relating to the mammary gland/secretion in pregnant/lactating patient **Milk production issues** are not usually appropriate for e-consult and in most cases are best addressed in a breastfeeding clinic or telehealth appointment. **To Place the Order** Order “e-consult to OB/GYN: Breastfeeding” in Epic. It is best to do so while the patient is with you, as a patient’s verbal consent to place the e-consult is required, and the order requests clinical lactation information you may not routinely collect. You do not need to have an in-person encounter with patient (it could be placed during a phone encounter). CHC providers who have BMC Epic access can place e-consults for CHC patients registered at BMC within a telephone note in the patient’s BMC chart. ## Educational Resources - [Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: Protocols](https://www.bfmed.org/protocols "Protocols | Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (bfmed.org)"): Thirty-four evidence-based clinical protocols and eight statements from ABM - [Dr. Jack Newman’s International Breastfeeding Centre](https://ibconline.ca/ "International Breastfeeding Centre (ibconline.ca)"): Information sheets and videos with management suggestions for common lactation problems - [Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education (IABLE)](https://lacted.org/ "Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education (IABLE) (lacted.org)"): Resources and on-demand webinars for health professional continuing education in lactation/breastfeeding–related clinical topics - [Stanford Medicine: Getting Started with Breastfeeding](https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding.html "Newborn Nursery: Breastfeeding | Stanford Medicine (med.stanford.edu)"): Overview, assessment, and discussion of common problems, with videos