Good Samaritan University Hospital Opens New Lactation Clinic in Babylon

Good Samaritan University Hospital (West Islip, NY) has announced the opening of its St. Anne Lactation Clinic, now providing outpatient lactation support and care for women at the Catholic Health Physician Partners Pediatric Specialty Care Center located at 655 Deer Park Avenue in Babylon. The program will improve access to care and overall breastfeeding after delivery and discharge from the hospital.

Named in honor of St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary and patron saint of women in labor, the new outpatient lactation clinic places quality care outside the hospital environment.

“We created the St. Anne Outpatient Lactation Clinic to support women who are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and to improve the post-delivery experience for new moms and their babies,” said Good Samaritan’s Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology John Vullo, MD. “By providing educational, clinical and emotional support in a convenient location, we are deepening our commitment to newborns and their mothers.”

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, breastfeeding is one of the most effective preventive measures a mother can take to strengthen and protect the health of both her infant and herself. While inpatient breastfeeding support is readily available, continued support after discharge can be difficult for some new mothers.

To improve access to care, Good Samaritan initiated an interdisciplinary collaboration comprised of its mother-baby care team, the hospital Foundation, and the John C. Dunphy Private Foundation. The result is the new St. Anne Outpatient Lactation Clinic in Babylon.

The John C. Dunphy Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people and service organizations within our local communities, awarded Good Samaritan $100,000.00 to support this much-needed program. An additional grant was provided by the Guilds of Good Samaritan University Hospital, the hospital’s volunteer organization. 

“The John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, Inc. is thrilled to be part of this great program,” said Secretary and Communications Officer Karlyn B. Grasso, LUTCF. “The need for this type of education and support amongst women and their families is critical. We hope to see more programs like this develop over the years to come. Good Samaritan truly led the way to address an underserved need in our communities.”

Learn more about Good Samaritan University Hospital’s maternity services.