St. Michael again recognized for lactation services by two international organizations

TEXARKANA, Texas - A pair of international organizations has again recognized CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System's breastfeeding support program and lactation consultants with an award.

For the fifth time since 2013, St. Michael has been honored with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Care Award, this time in recognition of consultants Klorisa Withers and Melissa Duncan, as well as the creation of a Mother-Baby Unit in the hospital.

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and the International Lactation Consultant Association give the award to recognize focus on maternal health and excellence in lactation care.

Organizations that receive the award "have dedicated their efforts to promote and provide a lactation program that makes expert assistance available when the breastfeeding family needs it," IBLCE executive Roberto Issler said in a news release.

St. Michael was the first hospital in Texarkana to receive the award, according to Carole Harman, administrative director of women's and children's service.

"We strive to improve the health of mothers and babies by encouraging breastfeeding as a preferred method of feeding for newborns and infants. Our recognitions validate the efforts being made by our facility to help mothers get off to a good start with breastfeeding and to support them in reaching their goals," Withers said.

Breastfeeding advocacy groups have named August as National Breastfeeding Month and this week as World Breastfeeding Week.

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