To further enhance Parkland Health Center’s commitment to lactation, the hospital’s mother-baby nurses recently completed the Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) training to become CLCs. The hospital has nine CLCs on staff, who are dedicated to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding. Additionally, these CLCs participate in ongoing education on various breastfeeding topics, including the power of skin-to-skin; addressing latch pain; optimal hold techniques; and when to use nipple shields, syringes, breast shells, etc.
“Our nurses at Parkland Health Center help new moms who’ve expressed interest in breastfeeding initiate breastfeeding shortly after delivery,” said Lisa Helvey, BSN, RN, clinical nurse manager of the Women and Infants Department at Parkland Health Center. “They also offer access to our hospital-grade pumps and other breastfeeding tools, while educating and supporting new moms as they strive for continued, long-term breastfeeding success.”
According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding offers many benefits for both mom and baby, while being one of the most effective ways to ensure baby’s health and survival. Although breastfeeding is renowned for its many benefits, those first few days and weeks of a mom’s breastfeeding journey can be challenging. That’s why having a reliable support team is critical to ensure a successful start with breastfeeding.
“At Parkland, we recognized the need for skilled lactation support in the hospital during the perinatal period,” said Helvey. “Having this CLC training demonstrates our continued commitment to providing moms with the care and support they deserve.”
This CLC training goes beyond a breastfeeding mom’s hospital stay. If a new mom has any breastfeeding struggles or concerns after she’s discharged home, she can contact one of the hospital’s CLCs at any time for more guidance to help overcome those challenges.
For more information on Parkland Health Center’s Woman and Infants services, please call 573-760-8500.