We are thrilled to announce that Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (SNHMC) has received a prestigious award recognizing its lactation program to support breastfeeding. The Hospital-Based IBCLC Care Award is given by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and the International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®). This global recognition celebrates our commitment to providing exceptional lactation support at SNHMC.
Southern NH Medical Center Director of Maternal and Child Health Lindsey Sliwerski says, “We are honored to receive this award as it further validates the support we provide to not only breastfeeding patients who deliver at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, but also to our breastfeeding employees.”
What This Award Means
Receiving the IBCLC Care Award is a significant achievement. It acknowledges the special training of our staff with International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification. The award also highlights our comprehensive lactation program for breastfeeding families when they are in our hospital. Overall, this recognition reflects our recent efforts to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding within our community.
As part of this award, our hospital will be listed in the IBCLC Care Directory on the IBCLC Care website (www.IBCLCcare.org). This directory serves as a valuable resource for families seeking professional lactation support and recognizes health care facilities worldwide that demonstrate excellence in lactation care.
Comprehensive Support for Breastfeeding Families
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are health care experts who help with breastfeeding. They provide support and education during pregnancy and assist with breastfeeding after the baby is born. IBCLCs help families with challenges like going back to work or school, breastfeeding twins, or nursing sick or premature babies. They also train our nurses to make sure they can provide basic breastfeeding care.
Support for Breastfeeding Employees
Breastfeeding SNHMC employees have access to the “Mom’s Room.” Opened in 2022, the Mom’s Room is a private, comfortable, and welcoming environment, complete with cozy chairs, a refrigerator, and a dividing screen. This initiative aims to provide support for women needing to express milk at work, underscoring our commitment to employee well-being.
Our Commitment to Excellence
This award underscores our commitment to maternal-child health and our ongoing efforts to support breastfeeding families. We are proud of our team of IBCLCs who work tirelessly to ensure that every family receives the best possible care and support.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the IBLCE and ILCA for this recognition and for their ongoing efforts to promote professional lactation support globally. Our inclusion in the IBCLC Care Directory is an honor, and we remain dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care for all our patients.
Thank you to our incredible team and to the families who trust us with their care. Together, we are making a difference in the health and well-being of our community.