Capital Health recently earned recognition from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) for excellence in lactation care. Lactation Services at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell received the IBCLC Care Award in recognition of its work to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding through staff education and training, and for staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification. As a twice-designated Baby-Friendly Hospital, Capital Health continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing the highest level of breastfeeding care.
“Supporting our new families as they learn how to feed their babies is a unique privilege,” said Melanie Miller, Lactation Services coordinator at Capital Health and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. “Our goal at Capital Health is to provide compassionate and comprehensive support and education to all of our families. This international recognition demonstrates that our staff meets the highest standards in lactation and clinical breastfeeding care. From the prenatal period through their hospital stay and beyond our families can feel confident we are prepared to support them in meeting their individual goals.
IBLCE Chair of the Board Norma Escobar said, “Agencies that are awarded the IBCLC Care Award have dedicated their efforts to promote and provide a lactation program that makes expert assistance available when the breastfeeding family needs it. This is achieved through encouraging and informing breastfeeding families about the benefits and management of breastfeeding as well as training health care professionals to assist families achieve their breastfeeding goals.”
The IBCLCs at Capital Health focus on preventive care, so they are available during pregnancy to assess and provide information on how to successfully initiate breastfeeding. They continue that assistance after the baby is born by helping families overcome breastfeeding challenges, providing accurate information, and continuing to support them as their baby grows. Capital Health IBCLCs are available seven days a week for inpatient care, phone support after discharge, and outpatient visits.
Capital Health’s Lactation Center is part of Maternity Services at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell, the most comprehensive maternity program in the area. From routine deliveries to high-risk needs, services at the Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center provide a full range of prenatal, obstetrical, postpartum, and neonatal care options so newborns have the greatest chance for a healthy start. In addition, the Regional Perinatal Center at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell provides neonatal care, including Mercer County's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for at-risk births. To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/maternity.