Sharp Grossmont Hospital Receives Global Recognition for Breastfeeding Program

LA MESA, Calif. — Sharp Grossmont Hospital's Women’s Health Center received the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Care Award for its commitment to providing professional lactation support as part of its maternal-child services. Granted by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), the award also acknowledges the Center’s breastfeeding activities, which demonstrate the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding.

“It is an honor to be recognized by this prestigious organization,” said Lily Pisegna, MBAH, RN, NE-BC, director of Women’s and Children’s Services, Sharp Grossmont Hospital. “This award represents the dedication by all of our certified lactation consultants and Center’s nursing staff to promote exclusive breastfeeding as part of our family-centered model of care for our patients.”

The Women’s Health Center offers new mothers breastfeeding support from the moment of their infant’s birth, encouraging skin-to-skin time and early first feeding. The Center’s breastfeeding support program is one of a few in the County with IBCLC-certified lactation specialists who provide mothers with expert hands-on assistance for up to two years. The Center is committed to improving long-term breastfeeding success rates and promoting the best nutrition for infants by exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continuing on through at least the first year of life, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Last Updated: September 29, 2011