Resources for improving breast-feeding programs
The following information provides a few resources on lactation education and certification to get you started:
• Baby-Friendly USA.
This organization assesses U.S. hospitals to determine if they deserve to be designated as Baby-Friendly. A hospital or birthing center interested in the designation first applies for a Certificate of Intent, which includes completing a self appraisal and writing a letter of intent. Once the certificate is received and the appropriate policies and procedures are in place, the hospital administration requests an on-site assessment. A knowledgeable surveying team from Baby-Friendly USA travels to the hospital and conducts an assessment of the Ten Steps to Successful Breast-feeding, which constitute the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. (See p. 127.)
For details on how to receive a Certificate of Intent and prepare for an assessment to be designated as Baby-Friendly, write:
8 Jan Sebastian Way, No. 13, Sandwich, MA 02563. Telephone: (508) 888-8044. Fax: (508) 888-8050. E-mail: [email protected].
• Breast-feeding Support Consultants.
Week-long lactation management courses are offered by this organization for $720. Courses are scheduled in Chicago, Nov. 6-11, 1997, and April 16-21, 1998; and in Philadelphia, Feb. 19-24, 1998, and Oct. 22-27, 1998. For an application, write: BSC Center for Lactation Education, 228 Park Lane, Chalfont, PA 18914. Telephone: (215) 822-1281. Fax (215) 997-7879. E-mail: [email protected].
• Evergreen Family Maternity Center.
The Basic Course for Lactation Specialists is scheduled for Oct. 20-24, 1997, at the Maternity Center in Kirkland, WA. The cost is $450. For more information on the course and a schedule for 1998, write: Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, Family Maternity Center, Mailbox 57, 12040 NE 128th St., Kirkland, WA 98034. Telephone: (425) 899-3480. Fax: (425) 899-3488.
• Lactation Consultants of Montana.
Lactation consultants Vicki Bodley, IBCLC, and Diane Powers, IBCLC, offer an intensive one-day workshop on teaching mothers to breast feed and are willing to travel to other health care facilities and teach on site. Seminars are customized for each institution, and fees vary accordingly. For more information, contact them at 1943 Mariposa Lane, Billings, MT 59102. Telephone: (406) 256-1243.
• La Leche League International.
This international organization holds group meetings once a month in various locations throughout the United States. A series of four topics are repeated throughout the year. They include: The advantages of breast-feeding; The breast fed baby and the family; The art of breast- feeding and overcoming difficulty; and Nutrition and weaning.
The organization also has accredited leaders who are available 24 hours a day for telephone counseling for breast-feeding mothers.
The league offers workshops at various locations throughout the year and has educational materials available. For more information, write: La Leche League International, 1400 N. Meacham Road, P.O. Box 4079, Schaumburg, IL 60168-4079. Telephone: (800) LA LECHE or (847) 519-7730. Fax: (847) 519-0035. World Wide Web: http://www.lalecheleague.org/.
• The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
Anyone interested in becoming a certified lactation consultant can take the exam, which is offered once a year on the last Monday of July. Specific exam sites are located throughout the United States. To find out if you are eligible to take the exam, contact: IBLCE International Office, P.O. Box 2348, Falls Church, VA 22042-0348. Telephone: (703) 560-7330. Fax: (703) 560-7332.
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