Women's Health

Spectrum Health Recognized for Promoting Breastfeeding by Two International Organizations

Spectrum Health has been recognized by two international organizations for its efforts to support new mothers who wish to breastfeed their newborns.

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and the International Lactation Consultant Association recently announced that the Spectrum Health Family Birthplace at Butterworth Hospital has met the requirements for its global recognition program. Spectrum Health is now listed as a breastfeeding care facility at http://www.ibclccare.org/.

“We are very proud of our commitment and support for new moms. Spectrum Health Breastfeeding Services provides the expertise a new mom needs before, during and after her baby is born, as well as the support and education for her to feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding,” said Cindy Reistroffer, director, Obstetrics/Gynecology and Women’s Health, Spectrum Health Medical Group, director, Women’s and Infant Services, Spectrum Health Hospital Group.

Spectrum Health offers expectant mothers breastfeeding classes led by certified lactation consultants and counselors. During the hospital stay, new moms work with trained postpartum nurses and certified lactation specialists to develop an individual breastfeeding success plan.

Spectrum Health also offers breastfeeding support options after patients leave the hospital. Breastfeeding counselors help moms recognize the signs and symptoms for when help is needed. Moms are encouraged to call the Spectrum Health Lactation Consultant Warm Line – 616.391.9437. A breastfeeding support group led by certified lactation specialists helps moms with problem solving and offers support for success.

More information about breastfeeding services and classes at Spectrum Health is available at www.spectrum-health.org/breastfeeding.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which includes nine hospitals and more than 170 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart, physician groups totaling more than 600 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with 600,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 17,000 employees. The organization provided $115.9 million in community benefit during its 2010 fiscal year. In 2010, Spectrum Health was named a Top 10 Health System by Thomson Reuters.