New Haven, CT (May 19, 2026) – Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) has been recognized with the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Care Award, a prestigious international honor that recognizes excellence in lactation care and support for breastfeeding families.
YNHH is currently the only hospital in Connecticut to receive this designation and is being honored for the first time.
The IBCLC Care Award is presented by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners ® (IBLCE®) and the International Lactation Consultant Association ® (ILCA®). It recognizes facilities that employ professionals with the IBCLC certification and demonstrates a commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding through comprehensive lactation care programs.
YNHH’s recognition is further supported by its comprehensive lactation initiative, including in-person, online and webinar classes on breastfeeding basics, as well as A Mother’s Place Boutique, which provides breastfeeding support and supplies to families.
“This recognition reflects Yale New Haven Hospital’s deep commitment to providing exceptional, family-centered care,” said Beth Heinz, senior vice president of Women’s and Children’s Services at Yale New Haven Health. “Our lactation team plays a critical role in supporting families, and we are proud to see their expertise and compassionate care acknowledged on an international level.”
IBCLCs are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide evidence-based guidance and support to help families successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding. They offer care across the continuum – from prenatal education to postpartum support – and help families navigate challenges while promoting positive health outcomes.
“The IBCLC Care Award affirms the strength of our program and the dedication of our team,” said Kate Manuel, APRN, international board-certified lactation consultant and manager of the Yale New Haven Hospital Lactation Program. “We are committed to empowering families with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to meet their feeding goals.”
There are more than 38,000 IBCLC-certified professionals worldwide who provide specialized lactation care across a variety of healthcare and community settings. The award highlights YNHH’s leadership in this field and underscores its ongoing commitment to maternal and infant health.
Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), part of Yale New Haven Health, is a nationally recognized, 1,541-bed, not-for-profit hospital serving as the primary teaching hospital for the Yale School of Medicine (YSM). Founded as the fourth voluntary hospital in the U.S. in 1826, today, YNHH has two New Haven-based campuses, and also includes Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital and Smilow Cancer Hospital. YNHH has received Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence. YNHH has a combined medical staff of about 4,500 university and community physicians practicing in more than 100 specialties. www.ynhh.org
