For Health Care Professionals

Have Questions about a Medication???

Tom Hale, PhD, Author of Medications and Mothers Milk has developed a new center to answer all your medication questions. Now healthcare professionals AND mothers can call. Visit them on their website at www.InfantRisk.org or call directly at 806-352-2519.

Educational Offerings for Health Care Professionals

There are various opportunities to learn about breastfeeding at the BRC. The BRC provides:

Clinical Day Programs
Clinical Internships for aspiring lactation consultants (currently there is a waiting list for this service)
Lunch and Learn programs at the center
Lunch and Learn programs in your office
Hospital Lactation Programs (Clinical and staff education services available)

Clinical Internships and Clinical Day Programs for:

Aspiring Lactation Consultants
Home Care Nurses
Medical Office Staff
Resident Physicians
WIC Counselors
Public Health Students
Breastfeeding Counselors

We can design a customized program to meet your needs! The BRC internship program is designed to give aspiring lactation consultants the clinical hours necessary to sit for the certification exam. The BRC currently has three interns learning the ropes of lactation consultation. Its innovative program allows interns the experience to help mothers from birth to toddlerhood and gives them an opportunity to practice and hone ways to support and protect the breastfeeding couple. A quote from a BRC intern ....

"Colette, You are an inspiration to me and many others. You are absolutely needed in the lactation community with your fresh perspective and easy-going nature. Furthermore, without you, I wouldn't even be close to realizing my dreams. Thanks for believing in me!" - J.M. Sellersville, PA

Physican residents from Einstein Hospital, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson Hospital are currently scheduling days at the BRC to observe our lactation consultants during their women's health/public health rotations. We asked one of our residents, "What did you learn about breastfeeding in medical school?" He responded, "Not much!" The residents enjoy learning some of the clinical skills needed to assist breastfeeding mothers. If you work with new breastfeeding mothers and feel like you need to learn more to help them, call us today to schedule your observation days!

For Health-Care Professionals and THOSE WORKING WITH Breastfeeding MOTHERs:

Don't Miss this Year's Lunch and Learn Education Series 2010

Let us help you to help breastfeeding families!

The BRC continues to offer this FREE Breastfeeding Update Series to anyone working with breastfeeding mothers.

Tuesday, April 20: Breastfeeding and the Late Preterm Infant – We call these babies the “great deceivers”. Learn why these early, but otherwise healthy babies have breastfeeding issues and how to help mom and baby overcome them. Presenter: Colette Acker, IBCLC

Wednesday, June 9: Baby’s First Week: So many changes occur during the first week of a baby’s life. Learn how you can help to prepare a new mother. Presenter: Janice McPhelin, IBCLC

Thursday, September 23: Sore Nipples – Causes and Solutions. Soreness stems from a variety of reasons. Learn how to be the ultimate detective to find the root cause. Presenter: Colette Acker, IBCLC

Wednesday, November 10: Oversupply – Too much of a Good Thing! Discussion includes detecting oversupply and tips to make mom AND baby more comfortable. Presenter: Janice McPhelin, IBCLC

All sessions begin at noon and run for one hour. Bring your lunch – we supply the beverages. Space is limited, so reserve your place in advance. Register by phone, email, or U.S. mail.

Phone: 215-886-2433
Email: brc4babies@comcast.net

Praise for our Lunch and Learn Programs:

Colette,

I just wanted to thank you again for coming to do your presentation at Aetna yesterday. I cannot tell you how much positive feedback I have gotten. Everyone thought the presentation was very informative, and they thought you werea great presenter. This is going to allow us to better serve our postpartum moms. Thank you again.

Kerri Piranian, RN, BSN
Case Manager
National Accounts Dedicated Patient Management
Aetna Medical Operations

In-patient Hospital Lactation Programs

The BRC currently provides lactation services at Holy Redeemer Hospital. We are equiped to provide these services to any local hospital. The program includes staff education along with patient consultation. Please contact the BRC Director, Colette Acker to discuss this program. She can be reached at colette_brc@comcast.net.

How many lactation consultants does a hospital need?

The United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) has issued staffing guidelines for IBCLC credentialed lactation consultants in US hospitals. Identifying and maintaining the appropriate number and mix of nursing and specialty staff is critical to the delivery of quality patient care. Numerous studies reveal an association between the availability of IBCLC lactation consultants and improved breastfeeding outcomes in patients who are nursing their newborns.

Patients should receive resources according to their needs from clinicians with the knowledge and expertise to safely and adequately deliver these services. Busy maternity units, minimal nurse staffing, and lack of specialized knowledge conspire to often prevent the breastfeeding mother from receiving the level and type of care needed to successfully breastfeed her infant. The IBCLC lactation consultant is credentialed to deliver specialized services, much like a diabetes nurse educator, physical therapist, dietitian or other allied health provider. Short hospital stays and mothers and infants with more complex medical histories contribute to the need for lactation consultants to organize and deliver lactation care and services. The new guidelines specify:

- 1.9 FTE (full time equivalents) per 1000 births in hospitals with neonatal intensive care units (Level III hospitals).

- 1.6 FTE (full time equivalents) per 1000 births in hospitals with newborn special care units (Level II hospitals), and

- 1.3 FTE (full time equivalents) per 1000 births in hospitals with standard maternity units (Level I hospitals)

The complete document is available: Click here!

117 N. Easton Road, Glenside | 215-886-2433 | Hours: M-F, 9 am to 4 pm