Breastfeeding and lactation help in the fourth trimester.
Support from now on.
We are a team of nurse practitioners and lactation consultants supporting hopeful, soon-to-be, and new parents through challenges of lactation, breastfeeding and postpartum. We empower autonomy through health knowledge by providing comprehensive care that complements and enhances traditional care.
Supporting the perinatal health of our local community by offering home, office, and telehealth visits to families of the Main Line & Delaware, Chester and Philadelphia counties.
What We Treat
Prenatal Education
Pain with latching
Low milk supply
Sore or cracked nipples
Clogged ducts
Breast engorgement, pain, and swelling during lactation
Low weight gain of the breastfeeding newborn
Mastitis treatment and care
Breast pump scripts
Pumping plans
Returning to work
Tongue-tie assessment and referral
Mental healthcare while breastfeeding
Weaning support
Our Story
Forth began as a private lactation consulting practice called Nestled. After several years working with families, Alison saw that common lactation and postpartum concerns were often missed or only partially treated—issues that sometimes led parents to stop providing breastmilk sooner than they wanted. Left unaddressed, these problems can persist beyond the fourth trimester, affect future pregnancies, and have lasting consequences for a parent’s health.
We created Forth to change that. Our approach blends breastfeeding medicine with comprehensive postpartum care that centers the parent’s long-term health as well as their baby’s. The name Forth nods to the “fourth trimester” while signaling that recovery and support extend beyond those first weeks. Our goal is to identify and treat the root causes of lactation challenges, support sustainable breastfeeding when desired, and reduce short- and long-term maternal health risks during this vulnerable time.
Meet the Team
We’re so glad you found us!
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Alison Ahern
Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
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Hanna Sandor
Certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Certified Lactation Counselor, and ProNatal Certified Personal Trainer
30 weeks
Care can begin anytime after 30 weeks
Potential Timelines of Visits
During Pregnancy
34 weeks
Lets discuss:
Breastfeeding basics
Ordering a breastpump
37 weeks
Birth Day!
First Prenatal Visit!
Second Prenatal Visit!
Lets discuss:
Common Issues
Prenatal colostrum collection
Planning for immediately after birth
Day 3-5
First Postpartum Visit!
Lets discuss:
Review of prenatal education
Adjusting home
Expected weight changes
Establishing latch and supply
Managing engorgement
Weaning can be discussed at any time that may be supportive.
After birth
1 week
Lets discuss:
Growth trajectory
Intake volumes
Pain
Nipple and breast care
2-3 weeks
Lets discuss:
Weighted feed changes and volume intake
Caring for your mental health
Growth spurts and cluster feeding
Pump use
4 weeks+
Lets discuss:
Maintaining milk supply
Common challenges
Pump schedule
Returning to work (if applicable)
Preparing for solids
Next Steps…
Get breastfeeding and lactation help
Speak with a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Collaborate with us
Find Physical Wellness
You can also…
Not Sure?
Couldn’t have said it better!
Real words from families who have trusted us through it all.
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Alison was great to work with! She helped give me and my husband so much more confidence breastfeeding my baby. Her advice helped me get a better latch and adjust when things didn't quite feel right in the weeks after. I felt very heard with my concerns too. I loved that she could do a home visit, and she came right in and washed her hands.
Katie C
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Alison is an amazing lactation consultant that has worked with me across two babies. She offers evidence-based, practical, compassionate advice that enabled to me navigate many different breastfeeding challenges successfully. I worked briefly with other IBCLCs through my doctor’s office and there was no comparison. I feel so lucky to have been able to work with her. I would recommend her to anyone!
Sarah B
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I have LOVED working with Alison and have recommended her to friends. She is easy to communicate with, she makes you feel comfortable, heard & understood. Overall, I have had a very positive experience working with her.
Breatrix M
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Alison is incredible. We are so lucky to have her postpartum lactation support. She is knowledgeable and her care is practical, thorough, and very kind. Very highly recommended.
Caitlin A
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Alison has been an invaluable part of my breastfeeding journey. She is so comforting and knowledgeable, and was quick to make room for me when I was newly post-partum. The fact that she is willing to make house calls when possible is above and beyond.
Amanda H
