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The Lactation Room has received the IBCLC Care Award in recognition for staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®)  certification and providing a lactation programme for breastfeeding families. In addition, the facility demonstrated that it has recently completed activities that help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

Neelam Jawad, MBBS, MCPS, IBCLC, Chair of the Board of Directors of IBLCE recently shared, “IBCLCs bring skilled, compassionate care to families during some of their most vulnerable moments. They provide more than clinical support—they offer reassurance,  confidence, and compassion when it matters most. We proudly recognize and deeply appreciate the CARE Award recipients for the heartfelt difference they make every day.” 

IBCLCs focus on preventive care, so they are available during pregnancy to assess and provide information on how to successfully initiate breastfeeding. They continue that assistance after the baby is born by helping families overcome breastfeeding challenges, providing accurate information, and continuing to support them as their baby grows. They assist families returning to work or school, help families in more unusual situations, such as breastfeeding more than one baby or nursing a sick or premature infant, and help train nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care.  

Maxine Scringer-Wilkes BN, MN, RN, IBCLC, President of ILCA, added, “Congratulations to the 2026 IBCLC Care Award recipients! Thank you for your continued commitment to promoting, supporting, and protecting breastfeeding by employing IBCLCs. Your investment in skilled lactation care to carry out innovative initiatives and training strengthens the  continuation of family-centered care from the hospital through the community.” 

As allied health care professionals with the leading internationally recognised certification for professional lactation services, IBCLC professionals work in hospitals and birthing centers,  clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, and in research. There are currently nearly over 38,000 such professionals in 136 countries worldwide who are IBCLCs (www.iblce.org). The IBCLC certification programme is accredited by the  NCCA, the accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. NCCA accreditation represents a mark of quality and excellence for professional certification programmes. 

In addition to finding IBCLC professionals at [NAME OF FACILITY], families can also find an  IBCLC near them by visiting www.ilca.org. Follow the “Find a Lactation Consultant” link and search for an IBCLC by postal code, city, state, or country.  

For more information about the IBCLC Care Award programme, contact IBLCE at  award@iblce.org. 

IBCLCs focus on preventive care, so they are available during pregnancy to assess and provide information on how to successfully initiate breastfeeding. They continue that assistance after the baby is born by helping families overcome breastfeeding challenges, providing accurate information, and continuing to support them as their baby grows. They assist families returning to work or school, help families in more unusual situations such as breastfeeding more than one baby or nursing a sick or premature infant, and help train nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care.

Iona Macnab, BA(Hons), LLB, IBCLC, President of ILCA added, “IBCLCs are the global professional standard in the clinical management of breastfeeding and lactation across diverse settings. By honoring facilities that employ IBCLCs through the IBCLC Care Award, we spotlight the substantial role these professionals play in advancing health outcomes within communities worldwide.”

As allied health care professionals with the leading internationally recognised certification for professional lactation services, IBCLC professionals work in hospitals and birthing centers, clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, and in research. There are currently nearly 37,000 such professionals in 134 countries worldwide who are IBCLCs. The IBCLC certification programme is accredited by the NCCA, the accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. NCCA accreditation represents a mark of quality for certification programmes.

In addition to finding IBCLC professionals at Lactation Room, families can also find an IBCLC near them by visiting www.ilca.org. Follow the “Find a Lactation Consultant” link and search for an IBCLC by postal code, city and state, or country.

For more information about the IBCLC Care Award programme, contact IBLCE at award@iblce.org.

Mount Airy, MD – The community breathes anticipation as preparations for the Harvest Hustle gain pace. Organized in collaboration between K.I.C. Kares, the Lactation Room, and Peony Women’s Integrative Health, the event seeks to rally support for the Yellow Ribbon Fund’s noble cause. This laudable nonprofit organization steadfastly assists wounded, ill, and injured military service members and extends support to their families. 100% of the proceeds from the event will go directly to the benefit of Yellow Ribbon Fund.

Set to occur on November 11, 2023, at Watkins Park, the Harvest Hustle encompasses a 5K run/walk and a dedicated Family Fun Run. The event is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability, and promises a fusion of athletic endeavor and community solidarity.

Participants of the 5K run/walk will gather at 8:30 AM, ready to meander through the picturesque route winding through Mount Airy’s historic structures, quaint boutiques, and stunning fall landscapes. Shortly after, at 8:35 AM, the 1-mile Family Fun Run/Stroller Stride will kick off, for those preferring a more leisurely pace.

Cougar Early, co-owner of Lactation Room, comments, “Supporting families within our community is the foundation from which Lactation Room was built 10 years ago. Our goal is always to find a way to make a positive impact and support those who need it most, and we are so proud to be able to co-host an annual event that can achieve both. Our service members and their families are so important to the Lactation Room, and it is our honor to have the opportunity to give back through the Yellow Ribbon Fund.”

In addition to the athletic activities, the Harvest Hustle will house an array of vendors, such as M.R. Cheesecake and Strohmer Family Farm, catering to an assortment of

palates with savory food and refreshing beverages. Live music, courtesy of Shields of Montgomery Pipe and Drum Band and DJ Don Caparotti, will add vibrancy to the welcoming atmosphere.

Our gratitude extends to our generous sponsors, who include York Professional Fire Fighter’s Association, Safeway (Mt. Airy, MD), Chik-Fil-A (Mt. Airy, MD), SNAP Fitness (Mt. Airy, MD), Sign Dreamers (Frederick, MD), and DJ Don Caparotti, for making this event possible. They collectively bring this massive effort to life.

Gina Harrow, Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Executive Director, conveys her sincere appreciation: “We at Yellow Ribbon Fund are deeply indebted to K.I.C. Kares, the Lactation Room, and Peony Women’s Integrative Health’s unwavering commitment. The Harvest Hustle contributes far more than funding; it illuminates the significance of our mission and rallies support to our cause. We invite everyone to participate and make a difference on this memorable day.”

Those interested in participating in the Harvest Hustle can register at http://www.harvesthustle.net. Each penny pledged directly supports the invaluable work of the Yellow Ribbon Fund. Let’s join hands and hearts to make a difference.

About Yellow Ribbon Fund

Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) is a 501(c)3 veteran service organization dedicated to serving severely ill and injured post-9/11 wounded service members and their families from every branch of the United States Military following unexpected medical crises. YRF provides programs that make daily life more manageable for the wounded and their family caregivers.

Our Crossroads Program helps service members and their families who face long stays while in recovery, such as providing hotel rooms, apartments, and rental cars.

 Our Keystone program focuses on life skills development, respite, and health and wellness. YRF proudly services over 1,600 active caregivers and has had over 30,000 recipients since 2005.

About K.I.C. Kares

K.I.C. Kares is a 501(c)(3) charity with a simple mission: to spread KINDNESS. Although based out of Mt. Airy, MD, the charity’s primary focus is to purchase, fill, and deliver care packages to families who have children in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) around the country!

 About Lactation Room

Lactation Room is a full-service lactation practice which specializes in a wide variety of breastfeeding and pumping challenges with a special emphasis on Tongue and Lip Ties (tethered oral tissues). We know not every mom and baby are alike and work to customize a plan to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals with personalized attention and support