CHI Franciscans’ St. Joseph Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital and Harrison Medical Center, Silverdale all received a lactation care award from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and International Lactation Consultant Association. The IBCLC Care Award recognizes organizations and staff members who are committed to increasing community health and well-being, through providing high-quality breastfeeding support for mothers and babies.
In order to receive the award, health systems must demonstrate that lactation programs have been successfully implemented, promoted and made-accessible to patients. Support for breastfeeding is especially essential because it ensures that newborns and babies can follow healthy development and growth patterns.
“CHI Franciscan is committed to building healthier communities and that begins with our youngest residents—our newborns,” St. Joseph Medical Center Lactation Supervisor Sonja Dahl, RN, IBCLC said. “All of our lactation specialists support families on their breastfeeding journey so babies are on track for healthy growth and development. They also train other health care specialists to help ensure families achieve their breastfeeding goals.”