Berlin, VT – The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) recently notified the Center for Breastfeeding that they have received the IBCLC Care Award, a global recognition program. “For the excellence demonstrated in staffing International Board Certified Lactation Consultants as part of the maternal–child health care team and for conducting breastfeeding activities, promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding.”
The University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center is the only medical center in Vermont and all of Northern New England to have achieved this honor.
“I am a long-time supporter of our outstanding breastfeeding program,” said UVMHN-CVMC President and CEO Judy Tartaglia. “I am extremely proud of our lactation consultants who have helped many new moms over the years.”
The Breastfeeding Center, located in UVMHN-CVMC’s Women and Children’s Unit helps new moms establish and enjoy their breastfeeding experience. This comprehensive service provides all the education, tools and support new moms need. A monthly breastfeeding support group - Bosom Buddies- meets on the first Monday of the month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the birthing center on the second floor of the hospital. For more information call 802-371-4415.
IBCLC certificants focus on preventive care, so they are available during pregnancy to assess the mother and provide information on how to successfully initiate breastfeeding. They continue that assistance after the baby is born by helping mothers overcome breastfeeding challenges, providing accurate information, and continuing to support them as their baby grows. They assist mothers returning to work or school, help mothers in more unusual situations such as breastfeeding more than one baby or nursing a sick or premature infant.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Family Physicians and the U.S. Surgeon General, among many others, recognize and promote the importance of breastfeeding as a life- long health strategy. The benefits are also economic. In 2011 the US Surgeon General issued a “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding” citing research showing savings of $13 billion annually if 90 percent of U.S. families followed The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations and exclusively breastfeed their infants for six months.
For more information call 802-371-4415 or visit The Center for Breastfeeding at UVMHealth.org/CVMC.