Mothers' Milk Bank California has announced the appointment of Dr. Lauren Spieler as its new Medical Advisor, enhancing the organization's capacity to support breastfeeding families and provide critical nutrition to vulnerable infants. Dr. Spieler, an Osteopathic Physician board certified in Family Medicine and Breastfeeding Medicine, brings a wealth of experience in lactation services and postpartum care to the role. Her expertise aligns closely with the milk bank's mission, which has been providing essential services for 50 years as a founding member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA).
Currently practicing at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa, Dr. Spieler has established a Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic and serves as the Kaiser Permanente Regional Lactation Lead for Northern California. Her role involves improving lactation services across the region and advancing comprehensive postpartum care. As Medical Director for the Sonoma County Breastfeeding Coalition, Dr. Spieler has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting breastfeeding families through community initiatives and clinical practice.
Jennifer Benito-Kowalski, CEO of Mothers' Milk Bank California, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Spieler's appointment, highlighting the potential for organizational growth and improved services. The milk bank plays a crucial role in collecting, screening, and distributing safe human milk to hospitals and families, ensuring essential nutrition for infants who might otherwise struggle to receive breast milk. This work is particularly important for premature and medically fragile infants who benefit significantly from human milk's protective properties.
Dr. Spieler's appointment represents a significant step in advancing neonatal care and supporting families through comprehensive lactation and postpartum support. Her extensive background in breastfeeding medicine and commitment to improving maternal and infant health will be instrumental in furthering the organization's important work. The collaboration between clinical expertise and milk banking services creates a powerful synergy that can address critical gaps in infant nutrition and maternal support systems.
The implications of this appointment extend beyond organizational leadership, potentially influencing broader healthcare practices related to lactation support and human milk banking. By integrating Dr. Spieler's clinical experience with the milk bank's distribution network, more families may gain access to essential resources and education. This development comes at a time when supporting breastfeeding families and ensuring vulnerable infants receive optimal nutrition remains a public health priority with lasting impacts on child development and family wellbeing.
