Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital receives global recognition for excellence in lactation care

More than 17,000 health care professionals in the U.S are recognized as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.

Five of them see patients at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, which recently received the prestigious IBCLC Care Award from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and International Lactation Consultant Association® for excellence in lactation care.

Delnor is one of 146 hospitals in the U.S. and one of only five hospitals in Illinois that meets the requirements for this prestigious award, which is bestowed every two years.

The award is given to facilities that are found to promote and support the clinical management of breastfeeding, provide regular training for staff members who care for breastfeeding families, and support evidence-based projects.

"Breast milk is an essential first start for a baby, providing all the nutrients and antibodies that are unique for a healthy beginning," says Sharon Lemon, international board certified lactation consultant at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital.

"The award recognizes the quality of the lactation program at Delnor," says Kim Czaruk, MSN, RN, director of New Life Maternity Center, IV Therapy and Outpatient Clinical Services at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. "Our lactation experts put patients first by helping families achieve their breastfeeding goals."

With a focus on preventative care, the team at Delnor Hospital is 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. Moms are encouraged to call with concerns, schedule an outpatient visit and attend the weekly Breastfeeding Connection Support Group.

"We want to be there for every step these mothers are taking in their breastfeeding journey, help them through the hurdles and celebrate the achievements," Lemon said.

With this recognition, Delnor Hospital is included in the IBCLC Care Directory, which recognizes hospitals and other healthcare facilities that have a lactation program and that hire healthcare professionals with IBCLC certification.

This is the second concurrent two-year cycle Delnor Hospital has received this global recognition.