Paula Utilla, IBCLC

Paula Utilla brings a wealth of experience to her role as a leader in prenatal and postpartum lactation guidance, with a particular focus on underserved communities. Her unwavering commitment to supporting new mothers is reflected in her multifaceted career, which includes serving as a La Leche League Leader and WIC Peer Counselor for many years.

In 2008, Mrs. Utilla took on the challenge of establishing the first prenatal lactation education program at the Brooklyn Birthing Center, dedicating herself to counseling and empowering new mothers. Her journey progressed in 2010 when she became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and founded The First Latch, a home-visit practice that demonstrated her keen problem-solving skills and results-driven approach to addressing a wide range of lactation challenges.

Since April 2014, Mrs. Utilla has been a cornerstone of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, serving as its first full-time IBCLC. Her significant contributions were instrumental in the hospital achieving the prestigious Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative accreditation in both 2017 and 2022. She actively educates nursing staff, residents, and pediatricians on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, leading to substantial increases in exclusivity rates across the hospital.

Driven by a passion to address health disparities related to race and ethnicity, Mrs. Utilla oversees Jamaica Hospital’s IBCLC Internship Program. This groundbreaking initiative provides clinical training to minority candidates, equipping them to sit for the IBLCE exam. Jamaica Hospital is the only hospital in New York State to operate such a program. The program’s impact was recognized in 2019 when the hospital received the Volunteer Excellence Award from the American Hospital Association, underscoring Mrs. Utilla’s dedication to advancing diversity in lactation support.

Mrs. Utilla’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the United States Congress, a New York City Council Citation, a Commendation from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and a Woman of Distinction Award. In 2022, she received the United States Lactation Consultant Association’s prestigious Change Maker Award, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in lactation education and advocacy.

Outside of her work at Jamaica Hospital, Mrs. Utilla serves as the Vice President of the New York Lactation Consultant Association and is an active member of the New York State Breastfeeding Coalition.