My very first talk ever was given to child welfare workers in training. 
Your list sounds awesome, Jeanette. I also covered  the differences 
between normal breastfeeding dynamics, medical problems that cause 
failure to thrive, and child neglect.

Catherine Watson Genna BS, IBCLC  NYC  cwgenna.com


On 2/18/2012 12:54 PM, Jeanette Panchula wrote:
> I have been given the opportunity to speak to Child Welfare staff about ways to support breastfeeding under the very stressful situations they work.
>
> Yes, I am aware there are some terrible Child Welfare people that everyone fears because they remove babies from the home.  On the other hand, I myself have had to report the dangerous situations observed and have been grateful for their intervention.
>
> I only have 30 minutes.
>
> I was wondering if any of you have given/prepared this sort of presentation, so I don't start from scratch...or if you have recommendations or suggestions besides the ones I have thought of:
> 1. The risk of not breastfeeding - to baby, to mother and to their relationship
> 2. The value of breast milk feeding when breastfeeding is not possible
> 3. Sources of accurate information to provide to mothers suspected of drug use and how to communicate this to them
> 4. Community resources of pumps, breastfeeding information and support.
>
> I'm not expecting to convert them to breastfeeding proponents - but if they can see that helping mother continue to breastfeed may help in their goals - safety for the child and family preservation, maintenance and reunification - we may be able to work with them to avoid unnecessary permanent cessation of breastfeeding.
>
> Thanks - the talk is on Tuesday!
>
> Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC
> California, USA
>
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