Community Health Network lactation team recognized with IBCLC Care Award

Hospitals improve overall health of their patients by making breastfeeding a priority

Indianapolis—Community Health Network is the only hospital system in Central Indiana to be awarded the 2019 IBCLC Care Award, a prestigious distinction that recognizes excellence in care in helping breastfeeding patients and their babies.

The IBCLC Care Award is given by The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE) and the International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA) to healthcare organizations that have taken steps to improve the overall health of their patients by making breastfeeding a priority and implementing lactation support programs.

The award signifies the excellent work caregivers at Community Hospital North, Community Hospital East, Community Hospital South and around the network do each and every day supporting breastfeeding families.

The lactation team is celebrating this recognition along with World Breastfeeding Week, which runs August 1 - August 7. Also as part of World Breastfeeding Week, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb proclaimed August 1-7, 2019 as Breastfeeding Week in Indiana.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

• Fewer ear infections
• Lower incident of respiratory illness
• Less diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases
• Reduction in allergies and asthma
• Fewer hospital admissions
• Lower chance of developing obesity
• Lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Decreased risk of developing leukemia, diabetes, heart disease, adult onset female cancers, and more

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom

• Lower incidence of postpartum hemorrhage
• Delay in menstruation
• Burns 500 additional calories per day
• Lowered risk of pre-menopausal female cancers
• Breast milk is always warm, convenient and free - most families save $1450-$4118 in the first year

About Community Health Network
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Community Health Network has been deeply committed to the communities it serves since opening its first hospital, Community Hospital East, in 1956. Now with more than 13,000 caregivers and 200 sites of care, Community Health Network puts patients first while offering a full continuum of healthcare services, world-class innovations and a new focus on population health management. Exceptional care, simply delivered, is what sets Community Health Network apart and what makes it a leading not-for-profit healthcare destination in central Indiana. For more information about Community Health Network, please visit eCommunity.com.

IBLCE establishes standards in lactation and breastfeeding care worldwide and certifies individuals who meet these standards. Learn more at https://iblce.org/.

ICLA is the member association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants® (IBCLC®) and other healthcare professionals who care for breastfeeding families. Learn more at https://www.ilca.org/.