Janet--
Congrats on your new initials! I am also working on staff
education/development, and face so many frustrations on a daily basis re:
inconsistent (and often downright WRONG) information. I have taught (in my
previous job) the 18hr breastfeeding course (I think outlined by WHO and/or
BFHI)recommended for staff. I have used some of the following ideas, some
of which I got from breastfeeding conferences I've attended. Linda Smith
also has written a book along these lines, although I have not purchased it
yet (it's on my list, though!).
*Give everyone a round balloon to blow up and a lipstick (I've been able to
get Avon representatives to donate free samples). Have participants don the
lipstick and open their mouths as wide as possible to "latch on" to the
balloon, holding it by the tied end only. Then have them make a "breast
sandwich" with the balloon, holding it much like a burger, and have
them "latch on" again, starting from the bottom (as one would to get the
biggest mouthful). Inevitably, the "breast sandwich" latch will be
bigger/wider/deeper. (credit for this idea to Diane Weissinger)
*Give everyone a two marbles (one large and one small). The small one
symbolizes about the stomach capacity of a newborn. The large one
symbolizes the size of the stomach at about a week of age. Note that
neither of them is anywhere near an ounce! (I think I got this one from
Linda Smith)
*Then there's the cookie example. As refreshments, make some decadent
homemade cookies, then buy some generic run of the mill store bought ones.
Put them out and, after everyone eats up the good ones, make some statement
like "Who would choose store bought when you can get homemade?", tying it
in to breastmilk vs formula. Another twist on this is to serve these right
after lunch, and say something like "You can't be hungry--you just ate!",
and talk about the reasons babies breastfeed besides being hungry--just
like we do! (I think this idea may have come from Kay Hoover)
*On a blackboard (or something similar), write "Benefits of Breastfeeding"
(I know this is backwards, as BFing is the norm, but consider your
audience!). Ask participants to call out items to list. Be prepared with
your own list, so you can add things.
*I find a good arrival/get aquainted exercise is to have magazines and
poster board (or large paper) and scissors and glue scattered on tables.
Encourage participants to make a collage that shows their feelings about
breastfeeding. Offer participants a chance to share their collages.
*Write up some cases with common scenarios that occur on your unit. Divide
the group into smaller groups and have one participant be the mom and
another be the nurse/IBCLC/helper. Have them present their "skits" to the
rest of the group.
I usually make gift bags before the class with the above mentioned items, a
pen, a small pad of paper (these could be personalized with hospital or por-
breastfeeding logos if budget allows), a breastfeeding friendly pin that
they can wear at work, and some hershey's kisses (for their shape!). I also
try to make sure CEUs are applied for (people always ask and are always
disappointed if I haven't done it. A certificate of completion is a nice
touch, too.
Hope these ideas help! Good luck!
Trish Donley,RN,ND,IBCLC

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html