2024 Breastfeeding Hospital Champion Award

LRHC Nursing Staff Along With Dr. Matt Sexton Accepting This Award From Jackie Moline With DHHS.

Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a Breastfeeding Hospital Champion by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This prestigious award acknowledges Lexington Regional Health Center's commitment to providing exceptional breastfeeding support and education to birthing families in our community.

The achievement of this award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team of breastfeeding champions. Led by our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), our team collaborates closely with providers and nurses to ensure that comprehensive breastfeeding support is readily available to all mothers who choose to breastfeed.

To earn this recognition, LRHC underwent a thorough review process, which included compiling a team of breastfeeding champions, participating in the CDC's Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey, and addressing any identified gaps in breastfeeding support through targeted action steps. Our hospital is committed to continuous improvement, conducting yearly internal audits on breastfeeding education and regularly reviewing and comparing our mPINC reports to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards of care.

"We are honored to receive the Breastfeeding Hospital Champion award from DHHS," said Emily Tvrdy, Director of Obstetrics. "At LRHC, we recognize the significant impact that breastfeeding can have on the health and well-being of both infants and mothers. By providing evidence-based education and support, we aim to empower families to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and contribute to reduce rates of infant mortality in our community."

In addition to achieving LEARN Breastfeeding Champion status, LRHC is actively working towards completing Safe Sleep Champion and Abusive Head Trauma Champion status by July 1, 2024. These initiatives, spearheaded by Emily Tvrdy, Director of Obstetrics, emphasize our commitment to providing comprehensive education and support to birthing families, with the ultimate goal of reducing infant mortality rates.

For more information about Lexington Regional's breastfeeding support programs and initiatives, please visit lexigntonregional.org or call (308) 324-5651.