FOUR DCMH NURSES
EARN
LACTATION
COUNSELOR
CERIFICATIONS
Stork’s Landing Nurses at Delta
County Memorial Hospital- Nicole Brown,
The lactation counselor
certification course emphasized skin to skin contact within the first hour, even
with the infant’s Father in cases where there may be a C-section and physicians
in the Operating Room may be stitching up the baby’s Mother momentarily.
Uninterrupted skin to skin between
Mother and baby until AFTER the first feeding leads to an increased milk supply
for the fourth day of life and increases the likelihood of exclusive breasting
by discharge. Early separation increases newborn stress. Skin to
skin stabilizes temperature better than a radiant warmer. The baby burns
less sugar and has a better latch for future feeds. Meds may be given and
the physician can examine the baby while the baby is on Mom, according to course
materials. Breastfeeding is encouraged for six months exclusively before
introducing any other type of food to the infant.
The obstetrics nurses from DCMH
studied breastfeeding laws from around the world. They were taught
multiple techniques on how to coach new Mom’s on a baby’s first latch, lactation
related problem solving, and how to increase milk
production.
Stork’s Landing offers luxury
suites with customized, individualized care by nurses and physicians for Mom and
baby, increasing the quality and continuity of
care.
Stork’s Landing OB nurses place
follow up calls to Mom’s once they are discharged to assist with any issues
around breastfeeding that may come up once baby and Mom are home. These
nurses also are on call at all times.
“This was one of the most
fascinating classes that I have ever taken, “ remarked, Gail Houseweart.
Did you know that breastfeeding reduces Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs) by
50 percent? Also the baby “tastes” different food that Mom is eating and
may be more open to different, healthy food options later in
life.
The certified lactation counselor
nurses also educate Dad, siblings, and other family members. They learned
layman’s terms for teaching and have demonstration dolls to show new Moms proper
breast feeding techniques.
“My nurses left for training
excited to learn something new, and returned with their workbooks highlighted
with countless notes in the margin, and a new passion for their job. I
knew we had great nurses, but I’m continually amazed at how they thrive on a
challenge.” April Bonata
For any questions on breastfeeding
please call Stork’s Landing at 874-2255.
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