West Virginia Breastfeeding

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

It is a GREAT day for babies in West Virginia today as CAMC officially opened the states first ever breast milk depot!

The milk depot allows the hospital to collect raw human milk donations from approved donors once they complete a screening, helping to provide critical nourishment to premature and medically fragile infants who cannot be breastfed by their own mothers.

Research shows that human milk supports optimal growth & development, while also reducing the risk of serious infections & complications for the smallest & sickest babies.

We look forward to seeing how this can help families across the state!

For more information on how to donate, visit: https://midatlanticmilkbank.org/donate/

News story is in the comments!

02/05/2026

Remember to join us on Friday, February 6 from 9 am to 2 pm, to celebrate and tour our new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)! Come see our new spacious private rooms with sleeping accommodations for parents to stay with their babies 24/7. The NICU is located on the 2nd floor of Wheeling Hospital’s main tower. We look forward to seeing you!

02/04/2026

We are thrilled to be able to offer scholarships for the Postpartum Support International Components of Care and Advanced Courses in March 2026!

Deadline to register is February 25, 2026

Contact Caroline Crislip @wvperinatal.org for a scholarship application

02/04/2026

Great information from The Lactation Consultant Network!

Choosing the right fl**ge size is very important for moms who choose to use a breast pump.

The fl**ge is the funnel looking attachment of a breast pump that fits over your breast. It should fit comfortably with only your ni**le entering the tube without rubbing the sides when actively pumping. There shouldn't be any pain or discomfort. If your fl**ge is too small, you'll notice that the milk flow will be too slow with your ni**le not being able to move freely within the tube of the fl**ge. When the fl**ge is too large, a proper seal will not be created. You'll notice your ar**la will be pulled into the fl**ge and your breasts will be left irritated.

In order to figure out the proper size fl**ge, you can measure the base of your ni**le (not ar**la) in millimeters then add 4 millimeters for your fl**ge size. A pump will generally have a 24mm size fl**ge, but sizes range from 15mm-36mm.

If you have trouble finding the correct size, I can help you so that you have a great pumping experience!

02/04/2026

📢 New Case Report Published 📢

We’ve published a new case highlighting an important and rarely discussed issue in lactation care: the use of ethiodized oil during interventional radiology procedures.

🧠 Key takeaway:
Ethiodized oil contains an extremely high iodine load and is cleared slowly from the body. In this first reported case involving a lactating patient, iodine levels in breast milk remained 50–100× higher than normal more than a week after exposure, raising concerns for infant thyroid suppression. Care required breastfeeding interruption, milk testing, and close multidisciplinary planning.

💡 Why this matters:
Iodine actively concentrates in breast milk, and excessive exposure can impact infant thyroid function. Lactating patients need anticipatory guidance, thoughtful dosing, and coordinated care when agents like ethiodized oil are considered.

🔗 Read the article:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398801943_Periprocedural_Lactation_Considerations_After_Use_of_Ethiodized_Oil_in_an_Interventional_Radiology_Patient_A_Case_Report

📖 About access:
We wish this article could be open access, but publication fees are often ~$4,000 per paper. We’re working to steward limited resources in ways that create the greatest impact for patients, families, and clinicians, while continuing to generate and share high-value lactation research.

02/04/2026

Register soon for this exciting opportunity to learn more tips to help you during your paretning journey!

https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/I-iZjyWrQ0K-uP-O24Bqpw

01/26/2026

WIC closures!

01/23/2026

Today is

It is a day to highlight & focus on preventing pregnancy related deaths, improving care & increasing access to maternal health resources.

The CDC has estimated that more than 80% of deaths during & after pregnancy are preventable.

Learn more about the day here:

https://www.acog.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/maternal-mortality-prevention/maternal-health-awareness-day