The OB supervisor at our hospital is contemplating hiring a nurses aide to "do
breastfeeding" as a primary job description. Her rationale was that if La
Leche League Leaders can give breastfeeding help why can't a nurses aide.
Anyway we'd like to prevent this from happening for several reasons
1. How is she going to be trained
2. Who will verify her knowledge
3. How much "control" will the lactation department as to what she says and
does
For obvious reasons, the whole idea makes light of our certification and the
work the LC's do with breastfeeding women. This could set a bad precident if
we don't get the record straight now.
I know the process of becoming a leader is a lengthy one (someone can't come
in off the street and say "I am a La Leche League Leader" ) but my supervisor
wants documentation for ammunition;
a) what are the qualifications for a La Leche league Leader and
b) what can a leader do and not do [My understanding is that La Leche League
does not do any hands on--is that correct?]
Please reply to me at [log in to unmask]
Thanks
Marie Davis, RN, IBCLC