August 22, 2003

By: Caty Cole
Website: http://www.bra-n-bras.com

Leading lady announces winner of the leading breastfeeding advocate award for nursing bra

Leading Lady Company, the experts in maternity and nursing lingerie, announced today the winner of its Leading Breastfeeding Advocate Award, Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D., of the University of Rochester School of Medicine. A $5,000 cash prize will be given to Dr. Lawrence in recognition of her extensive contribution to promoting and supporting breastfeeding throughout her 52-year career as a medical professional. The award will be presented in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, 2003. Dr. Lawrence was nominated by colleague Dr. Barbara L. Asselin.

Dr. Lawrence has been instrumental in educating the medical profession on the importance of breastfeeding. She is a founding member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Her outstanding efforts have been recognized by Dr. C. Everett Koop, former Surgeon General, and Pope John Paul II. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, a textbook for medical professionals, written by Dr. Lawrence is now in its fifth edition. She has established the Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Study Center at the University of Rochester to serve as a resource center for medical professionals, as well as developed a database on breastfeeding and drugs that appear in breast milk.

Leading Lady established the award in order to recognize those individuals who provide valuable support to mothers as they breastfeed their new babies. “Dr. Lawrence demonstrated excellence in encouraging and teaching women, and their doctors, of the many benefits to nursing infants,” says Al Corrado, CEO of Leading Lady.

Dr. Lawrence was selected by a respected panel of independent judges appointed by Mark Corrado, President of Leading Lady. The panel included representatives from recognized breastfeeding support organizations such as the International Lactation Consultant Association and La Leche League, as well a physician and a long supporting breastfeeding mother.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week’s goal is to focus on the need to think globally and act locally to protect, promote and support breastfeeding, according to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). Awarding Dr. Lawrence for her continued efforts in this focus during World Breastfeeding Week allows Leading Lady to be a part of this international promotion of breastfeeding. Along with the award, Leading Lady is providing Cleveland area hospitals with gift bags filled with information and supplies for new breastfeeding mothers to assist them in nursing their babies and thanking them for choosing to breastfeed.

Founded in 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio, Leading Lady is the pioneer and industry leader in maternity and nursing intimate apparel in the country, including the manufacture of private label and licensed intimate apparel. In the last decade, the company has expanded into full figure, medical (post-mastectomy and surgi-bras) and other intimate apparel niche markets and features the innovative new Hands Free Breast Pump Bra™.

About The Author:

Caty Cole is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.bra-n-bras.com.  A tasteful look at the bra industry, products and manufacturers.