Chesapeake Regional Recognized for Excellence in Lactation Care

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® and the International Lactation Consultant Association® have recognized Chesapeake Regional Healthcare for excellence in lactation care. They have awarded the health system with the IBCLC Care Award which honors excellence in staffing International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants® as part of the health care team, and for conducting activities that promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center’s BirthPlace has seven professional lactation consultants. They all contribute to the maternal-child health team and hold the prestigious International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification. The Lactation Consultants work with new mothers and their families to help them overcome breastfeeding challenges, provide information and resources, and continue to support them as their baby grows.

Iona Macnab, BA (Hons), LLB, IBCLC, President of ILCA says, “IBCLCs are the global professional standard in the clinical management of breastfeeding and lactation across diverse settings. By honoring facilities that employ IBCLCs through the IBCLC Care Award, we spotlight these professionals' substantial role in advancing health outcomes within communities worldwide.”

IBCLCs are the leading internationally recognized certification for professional lactation services, working in hospitals, birthing centers, clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, and research. There are nearly 37,000 IBCLC professionals in 134 countries worldwide (www.iblce.org). The NCCA, the accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, accredits the IBCLC certification program. NCCA accreditation represents a mark of quality for certification programs.

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About Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is a health system laser-focused on innovation, known for making medical history in the region and providing patients with personal care. Its hospital, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, is a non-state-owned public hospital created by the General Assembly in response to citizens advocating for needed access to healthcare services. It is the only independent, community-based acute care hospital in Hampton Roads. With the best heart attack survival rates of the major systems in the region a new open heart care program, state-of-the-art neuro-interventional suite, comprehensive cancer care, and the most preferred Labor & Delivery program in the area, Chesapeake Regional provides its community with high-quality care that patients know and trust. A nationally accredited Chest Pain Center, Magnet recognized for nursing excellence, and named one of the Best Hospitals of 2024 by Money.com it received several 5-star ratings from Healthgrades and a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award, placing the hospital among the top 10% in the nation for patient safety. With more than 600 physicians and over 75 specialties across 50 locations, Chesapeake Regional’s technologically advanced health care saves lives every day. Learn more at ChesapeakeRegional.com.

About the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) is an international credentialing body whose mission is to serve the global public interest by advancing professional practice in lactation consultation and support through credentialing. IBLCE established the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification program in 1985. Its founding was in response to the need for standards in the emerging profession of lactation consulting. This new profession arose during the 1970s and 80s in response to the need and request from mothers for specialized breastfeeding care. This objective, third-party accreditation is a sign of excellence regarding the IBCLC certification program. As of 2024, there are over 37,000 IBCLCs in 134 countries.