EvergreenHealth Recognized Internationally for Excellence in Lactation Care

EvergreenHealth is the only hospital in Washington state to earn this recognition

KIRKLAND, Wash. – EvergreenHealth has been recognized for excellence in lactation care by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®). EvergreenHealth is the only hospital in Washington state to receive this recognition.

"We are honored to be recognized for our achievements in lactation care. EvergreenHealth's Breastfeeding Center is nationally recognized for offering the support patients need, including board-certified lactation consultants to offer guidance for any patients in need," said EvergreenHealth's Chief Nursing Officer Mary Shepler, DNP, RN, NEA-BC. "Our outstanding support for breastfeeding parents is just one example of how we deliver high-quality, safe and compassionate care to everyone who comes through our doors. We strive every day to serve our patients and make a positive impact on their health and wellness."

EvergreenHealth received the IBCLC Care Award for staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification and for providing a lactation program for breastfeeding families. In addition, EvergreenHealth demonstrated that it has recently completed activities that help protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

Chair of the Board of Directors of IBLCE Brooke Gilliam, BSN, RN, IBCLC, recently shared, "The vital care that IBCLCs provide globally to breastfeeding families helps babies get off to the best start at life. Care facilities recognize this and ensure families receive quality lactation support by employing IBCLCs. Having this ongoing support from skilled lactation professionals and the facilities that support them is invaluable. The benefits of breastfeeding are well known to have great impact on families, communities and the world. Thank you for your dedication to the families served and commitment to advancing global public health."

IBCLCs 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. They assist families returning to work or school, help families in more unusual situations such as breastfeeding more than one baby or nursing a sick or premature infant and help train nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care.

For more information about the IBCLC Care Award, visit IBCLC Care Directory – IBCLC Care Award.

EvergreenHealth has been recognized for excellent breastfeeding care for decades, becoming the first hospital in the U.S. to be designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital. The initiative's goal is to promote breastfeeding to give babies the best start in life. It is considered the gold standard for maternity care and is awarded by UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

For more information about breastfeeding support at EvergreenHealth, visit evergreenhealth.com/breastfeeding-support.