FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Certified Lactation Services:
OFFERED AT THE BELLEVUE HOSPITAL
June 25, 2004
In a perfect world, newborns might come complete with
instructions and a “how-to” manual. Until that day gets
here, The Bellevue Hospital’s (TBH) Family Birthing Center
(FBC) offers support for parents and babies – before,
during, and well after delivery.
Offering help and encouragement for mothers and
babies to continue breastfeeding during challenging
situations is the goal of TBH’s Lactation Support Service,
which is offered to any mother who has questions or is
having problems breastfeeding, whether or not they delivered
at the hospital.
The FBC
nurses are trained in and can assist with lactation
questions. Cherri Wilson, RN, IB, CLC, and Connie Powell,
RNC, serve as the main knowledge base for this hospital
service.
“As
lactation consultants, we troubleshoot to help moms
successfully breastfeed their newborn,” said Wilson. The
American Pediatric Association recommends exclusive
breastfeeding to one year or beyond with the introduction of
solids, “but our goal is to help moms successfully
breastfeed for any length of time,” she continued. “During
the time we spend with our moms, we discuss some
difficulties that may occur during breastfeeding, such as
thrush, mastitis, or maternal illness. And, we offer helpful
suggestions and treatment options.”
Jeri
Straub, who recently delivered at the hospital’s birthing
center, agrees with the success of the program. “My milk
came in and I was engorged and was not really sure how to
relieve the pressure,” commented Straub as she spoke about
her recent breastfeeding experience with her newborn son,
Evan. “This was my first real attempt at breastfeeding and
when (TBH nurse) Connie Powell came over for my home visit,
it was wonderful. She brought in a breast pump and showed me
how to use it.
“From
there, I came in to see Cherri and together, we worked
through an episode of thrush, recognizing the symptoms and
dealing with the pain and treating it. She got me through it
all. She has just been so supportive. She was truly a
blessing.”
Jeri and her husband, Rick, have two other
children, including Michael, 13, and Sydney, 4. “The
lactation service is just so wonderful,” added Straub. “I
even called in the middle of the night once with a question
and the nurse helped me out.”
“We
recognize the fact that breastfeeding can be important to
the health of the baby,” said Wilson. “Breastfeeding offers
mother/child bonding, passive immunities from mom to baby,
quicker return to pre-pregnancy shape, and a cost savings on
formula. Also, breastfed infants have fewer visits to
healthcare providers and mothers have a reduced chance of
developing premenopausal breast cancer or osteoporosis.”
Wilson,
who was recently recertified in 2002, gained additional
experience and education needed to pass the International
Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) Exam to
become board certified. She has been employed in the FBC for
12 years. Becoming board certified as reaffirms to patients
and co-workers the lactation consultants are competent and
committed to the health and well being of breastfeeding
mothers and babies, according to the IBCLC.
Powell
has 28 years of experience with TBH’s Family Birthing Center
and plans to take the IBCLC exam in the near future.
For additional
information or to set up an appointment for lactation
services, phone (419) 483-4040 in Bellevue; (419) 547-0074
in Clyde; or (419) 639-2065 in Fremont, Old Fort, Green
Springs, or Republic. Dial or ask for Extension 4295.
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