Nurses become certified in lactation consulting

McLeod Health Loris would like to congratulate labor and delivery nurses Heather Hinson, RN, and Courtney Bennett, RN, on their recent certification for becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

IBCLC is the gold standard in lactation consulting and based on extensive experience working directly with breastfeeding women, completion of ongoing breastfeeding education and passing the International Board of Lactation Consultants Examination. To keep the certification up to date, it’s mandatory for lactation consultants to renew their status every five years.

Lactation consultants understand the importance of breastfeeding an infant. Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for babies and has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein and fat — everything a baby needs to grow. Breast milk also contains antibodies that help babies fight off viruses and bacteria and lowers the risk of having asthma or allergies.

“Breastfeeding can benefit the mother and baby’s health.  For the baby, it protects against allergies, causes less stomach pain, reduces the risk of viruses and lessens the risk for SIDS,” said Nancy Barnes Chief Nursing Officer of McLeod Health Loris.  “When mothers breastfeed, it can reduce the risk for Type 2 Diabetes, certain types of breast and ovarian cancer and help with weight loss.” 

For more information on breastfeeding and the services offered at McLeod Health Loris, visit their website at www.McLeodHealth.org.

Heather Hinson RN,  left, and Courtney Bennett, RN, of McLeod Health Loris have been certified for becoming International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.