Release: November 11, 2009

Two more Columbia Center staffers achieve international certification as lactation consultants

Mequon, Wis. — Columbia Center now has a total of three staffers with the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) designation.

Ann Grauer, Columbia Center’s doula program coordinator and parent educator, and Amy Ehrlich, registered labor and delivery nurse, both earned their IBCLC designations in October.

Grauer and Ehrlich join Diane Oakland to form a team of three certified lactation consultants at Columbia Center, an intimate birth hospital 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 e-news, Columbia Center’s informational newsletter for expecting and new parents.

“The 20 years of working was the most intensive preparation for this certification,” says Grauer. “I have the privilege of serving families in multiple ways. Each skill that I have brings something different to families.”

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 follow an international code of conduct.

“The certification proves that you have the practice and knowledge base as well as the counseling expertise in lactation issues,” says Ehrlich.

Having three lactation consultants on staff is a notable achievement and part of Columbia Center’s approach of offering highly personalized service to new mothers who give birth there.

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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.