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Lee Kline RN and Tonya Weih RN BSN of Cedar County Public Health completed an intensive three day workshop on clinical
breastfeeding assistance in Des Moines, Iowa. The conference was sponsored by Iowa Health-Methodist-Lutheran-Blank’s
Childrens Hospitals and Lactation Consultant Services.
In addition to participating in the
workshop that addressed the normal course of lactation, they completed an assessment and problem solving practicum, and an
examination addressing usual circumstances and common challenges with breastfeeding. They were awarded certification as breastfeeding
educators. Certification is an added credential that recognizes increased clinical competence in the field of breastfeeding
assistance. Cedar County Public Health is proud to have two Certified Breastfeeding Educator available to the community.
Visits by a certified Breastfeeding educator can be arranged prior to the birth to help the parents to be make an informed
decision about which feeding option is best for their family. Informed decisions are based on the knowledge of risks and benefits
of choices available. Visits can also be made after the birth to help encourage and support, and address any problems that
may arise. A few of the difficulties that Lee or Tonya can assist with include difficult latch on, engorgement, sore nipples,
milk production, positioning techniques, and support and tips for the breastfeeding mother returning to work.
Today, 69% of mothers initiate breastfeeding, mothers continuing to breastfeed after 6 months is 32%. Employed mothers, mothers
at home, mothers of premature or ill infants, and mothers in a variety of special situations choose breastfeeding because
of its numerous benefits.
Benefits of breastfeeding include increased intelligence,
protection against childhood infections, diabetes, liver disease, various cancers, allergies, immune system disorders, and
sudden infant death syndrome. Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced incidence of breast cancer and osteoporosis.
Mothers often explain that they initiate breastfeeding because of the benefits for their baby, but they continue breastfeeding
because they enjoy a special closeness with their breastfed babies.
As breastfeeding becomes
more popular, mothers look to health care providers for assistance. Traditional mother-to-daughter teaching and assistance
is less available since there is a generation of grandmothers who primarily bottle-fed their babies. Increased geographic
mobility among extended families further decreases assistance available to new mothers.
The
conference was developed and presented by Debi Leslie Bocar, RN, PhD. Dr. Bocar who is a certified lactation consultant, noted,
“Practical assistance from knowledgeable health care providers is critical to get breastfeeding off to a good start.
Experts must also be available for telephone assistance, home health care, and out-patient consultation to assist mothers
overcome common challenges during the first few weeks”.
For any questions regarding
breastfeeding or to schedule an appointment for Lee or Tonya to visit, please call 563-886-2226.
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