The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) have recognized Salem Hospital’s Women’s and Children’s Services for excellence in lactation care.

Salem Hospital received the award for employing international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) and providing lactation services seven days a week. Salem Hospital also recently trained staff who care for new families, and completed activities that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

“This honor recognizes our excellence in lactation care, in making breastfeeding a priority, and for taking steps to improve breastfeeding support for our patients,” said Sarah Horn, certified registered nurse, director of Salem Hospital’s Women’s and Children’s Services.

IBCLCs focus on preventive care, so they’re available during pregnancy to help mothers get off to a good start. They continue after the baby is born with breast-feeding help, easing the frustrations new moms may have — and provide even more support as their babies grow. They provide guidance for mothers returning to work or school, and in more unusual situations such as breastfeeding more than one baby, nursing a sick or premature infant, and dealing with other challenges.

“Our consultants have the only internationally recognized lactation certification in the world, and are highly skilled in helping mothers with the questions and concerns that can arise,” said Cathy Carothers, President of ILCA. “They are also an important part of the overall maternal and child health team by assuring that evidence-based policies and practices are used to help mothers succeed with breastfeeding.”

As allied health-care professionals with the only internationally recognized certification for professional lactation services, IBCLCs work in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, and in research. There are currently more than 25,000 IBCLCs in 90 countries worldwide that are certified by the IBLCE under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Salem Hospital is now one of five recognized IBCLC Care Award facilities in Oregon, with others located in Astoria, Bend, Redmond and Springfield.

Salem Hospital is part of Salem Health, along with West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Visit us at salemhealth.org, facebook.com/salemhealth or facebook.com/salemhospital; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth or @salemhospital; and view us on YouTube at youtube.com/user/salemhealth.