Release: December 18, 2007

Columbia Center childbirth educator achieves international certification as lactation consultant

Mequon, Wis. —Diane Oakland, Columbia Center’s Family Education & Support Coordinator, has achieved international board certification as a lactation consultant. Oakland joins Deanne Lawson as the second International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at Columbia Center, an intimate, boutique-style birthing center in Mequon.

Lactation consultants provide breastfeeding assistance to mothers and infants. Columbia Center’s lactation consultants offer private counseling, educational classes and provide information through articles written for Mom enews, Columbia Center’s informational newsletter for expecting and new parents.

"Becoming an IBCLC has long been a personal goal of mine," says Oakland. "It's a way of proving to myself that I have prepared myself to serve mothers and babies to the best of my ability."

To gain IBCLC status, a lactation consultant must pass a rigorous exam, after a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education in lactation. Candidates must also demonstrate extensive practical experience and related education. In addition, all IBCLCs commit to adherence to an international code of conduct.

Having three lactation consultants, including two IBCLCs, on staff is a notable achievement and part of Columbia Center’s approach of offering top-of-the-line services to its patients.

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Columbia Center is an intimate birthing hospital that supports women and their families through pregnancy, birth and beyond. An independent hospital, Columbia Center is located on the Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee campus in Mequon, Wis. and online at columbiacenter.org.