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Mount Nittany Health and the International Lactation Consultant Association are pleased to recognize March 6, 2024 as International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLCs) Day. This annual celebration recognizes the services that International Board Certified Lactation Consultants provide to expectant parents, new mothers, and the healthcare teams who form their circle of care.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are the highest-accredited experts specializing in breastfeeding and lactation care. They assist parents in establishing an optimal breastfeeding routine, while helping new mothers find the best breastfeeding position for their babies. They also help with issues related to latching, milk supply, breast anomalies, cleft palate, tongue ties, breastfeeding pain, and more. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are specialists who are able to assist with an incredible range of services and lactation-related issues.
“Mount Nittany Health’s lactation professionals offer their expertise and compassion to families during pivotal moments of prenatal and postnatal care,” said Dani Houtz, Practice Manager, Mount Nittany Health Pediatrics. “Their knowledge and guidance are instrumental in helping families through the complexities of breastfeeding, providing essential assistance and reassurance during what can often be a challenging time.”
Mount Nittany Health is fortunate to have two team members who are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants: Ann Cathcart, RN, IBCLC, Women and Children’s Services, Mount Nittany Medical Center; and Alex Strouse, RN, IBCLC, Women and Children’s Services, Mount Nittany Medical Center. Ann and Alex primarily provide inpatient support, but also assist outpatient pediatric patients and their families.
Mount Nittany Health has five Certified Lactation Counselors; three serving the Women and Children’s Services unit, and two serving Mount Nittany Health Pediatrics: Anne Hoover, RN, CLC; Shelly Roy, RN, CLC; Traci Trostle, RN, CLC; Kristy Poorman, LPN, CLC; and Jewelyan Skripek, RN, CLC.
“I am so proud to recognize the invaluable support and guidance our lactation professionals provide to families in our community,” said Jess Lewis, RN, Manager, Women and Children’s Services. “Their expertise and dedication play a crucial role in helping mothers and babies establish successful breastfeeding relationships. Mount Nittany Health is proud to be expanding this important program to ensure that even more families have access to this vital support system in the Centre region.”
In January, Mount Nittany Health began partnering with Birthly to offer free access to virtual childbirth education classes, including breastfeeding classes, allowing patients to access valuable educational resources in the comfort of their own homes at no additional cost. Mount Nittany Health also offers an introductory breastfeeding class on the third Thursday of each month. For more information, please visit mountnittany.org/maternity.
Please join us in thanking all International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Counselors who maintain the gold standard of care by supporting mothers and families during their breastfeeding journeys. Today and each day, we are so grateful for the compassionate care they provide and for contributing to our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.”
