The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) awarded VCU Health the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Care Award for its dedication to providing quality lactation care and assistance.

Patients at VCU Health have access to certified lactation consultants who are available before, during and after pregnancy. Lactation support at VCU Health begins with a focus on preventive care, where lactation professionals assess and provide information on how to successfully initiate breastfeeding.

“We support mothers in their goal to breastfeed, giving their babies the best start in life,” said Valerie Coleman, head of lactation services for VCU Health. “We are honored to be recognized by the lead association of lactation care and will continue to provide high quality lactation support to all patients.”

Lactation professionals continue to assist families as they return to work or school, in addition to helping families in more unusual situations such as breastfeeding more than one baby, or nursing a sick or premature infant. VCU Health also trains nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care.

“Agencies that are awarded the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Care Award have dedicated their efforts to promote and provide a lactation program that makes expert assistance available when the breastfeeding family needs it,” said Roberto Issler, IBCLC chair of the board of IBLCE. “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.”

To learn more about VCU Health’s breastfeeding support, visit: https://www.vcuhealth.org/services/womens-health/womens-health.