News Release
Mercy becomes only Iowa hospital to earn prestigious breastfeeding award
March 9, 2011
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners recently recognized Mercy as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) Care Award Hospital. Mercy was one of fewer than 200 hospitals nationwide and the only hospital in the state of Iowa to earn this special designation.
Mercy received the IBCLC Care Award by demonstrating it hires current International Board-certified lactation consultants and offers a dedicated lactation support program that is available to patients five to seven days each week. Mercy also provides training for nursing, medical and ancillary staff who provide care for breastfeeding families and has implemented special projects that promote, protect and support breastfeeding – including the “Breastmilk as Medicine” initiative that helped raise breastfeeding rates to 85 percent of new moms for babies in the Mercy Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The IBCLC Care Award designation is valid for two years and facilities must reapply to maintain inclusion in the international directory.
Designed to provide state-of-the-art technology to mothers, babies and families throughout the birthing and post-partum experience, Mercy’s Women & Infants’ Center consists of the Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a specialized Maternity Triage & Treatment Unit, a Birthing Unit with three C-section rooms and a Mother/Baby Unit with a well-baby nursery. Mercy West Lakes is a birthing alternative for low-risk moms expecting a full-term delivery. Mercy is the state leader in caring for more new moms and babies than any other Iowa hospital.
Contact Kate Westercamp
Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines
515-247-3050
