Cheryl, I applaud your initiative! It would be wonderful to know you were
reaching as many mothers as you do, and your initiation rate is wonderful.

As a (former) breastfeeding mom, I have to admit that that first week or
two, absolutely nothing stayed inside my head. It was overwhelming to have a
new baby, experience the changes my body underwent, and try to keep my
sanity as a mother of a growing family.

My recommendation would be to make a booklet or notebook for your clients.
The cover sheet would tell where the information they needed could be found,
and if the pages were somehow bound together, all the information would be
in one place. I love the printed diaper diaries, they're very informative
and colorful. There are many handouts already created which talk about how
to pump and store milk, meeting notices for local breastfeeding groups could
be included. Toilet reading material is very effective - short and to the
point, and is more likely to be read by partners and well-meaning family
members.

My mentor and dear friend, Mary Goode RN IBCLC, did something similar. I
received the overflow phone calls, as a LLL Leader. We worked to our
strengths, she had the newborns and new moms, and I got the older babies and
experienced moms. She is hospital based, and I'm a community volunteer. The
relationship has worked well for many years. I hope it has relieved her of
her stress, as they only have lactation hours for 3 hours, 3x/week.

Visiting the moms is a great idea, and gives them a good face to go with
their birth experience. If they have concerns, you are the best one to deal
with their issues. Hitting the important high spots limits their feeling of
being overwhelmed, and they know who to call with their concerns.

Good luck. It's a good thing you're doing!

Sam Doak (RN IBCLC!!)

<<
I apologize in advance for the long email.  I am one of two IBCLC's at a
hospital with 90-120 deliveries a month, about 80% breastfeeding initiation
rate.  We have one LC here at a time for Mon-Sat coverage, 9-5.  Currently,
we see all breastfeeding moms every day of their stay (except delivery day),

do dischage follow up calls for all moms, occasional outpatient visits,
phone
and email consults and a weekly support group that usually takes 2 hours.  I

also do a monthly newsletter for staff and staff education on breastfeeding.

We also have a NICU that we provide LC assistance to. The problem I need
advice about has to do with the visits to breastfeeding moms and the lack of

time to do good outpatient follow up calls.  >>

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