How exciting to see our study referenced on LactNet!!!  This is a real
passion of mine (postpartum home visits), and this is the second program I
have set up for new parents. We have collected data for three years now, and
have a very large sample size.  Someday, in my dreams, I want to publish
more of this valuable information.  We offer a home visit to all of our
mom's going home from the hospital. About 90-90% accept.  It is interesting
to note that most moms declining our visits are experienced moms who are
bottle feeding. Our home visit nurses have to have at least 5 years of
OB/nursery experience, and have had the CBE course by Debbie Bocar.  They
are all encouraged to go on and achieve their IBCLC, as much of what we do
focuses on bf support.  I am proud to report that out of seven home visit
nurses, four are IBCLC!  We send out patient satisfaction surveys, and the
mom's frequently write all over them, saying they would have stopped
breastfeeding if it hadn't been for the visit.

About one year ago, I assumed the duties of overseeing our lactation service
also, so we combined our LC service and our home visit program.  This has
also been just great.  We are located on the birthing unit, and I meet with
every mom going home each day to talk to her about her discharge, and her
home visit.  I schedule the visit for about two days after she goes home.
We find that is best- it gives her a day to go solo, and by day two at home,
she's ready for us!  If you have any more questions, feel free to email me
privately.  Keep up the good work!

Linda J. Tandy, MSN, RN IBCLC
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

<Postpartum home nursing care is an <important nursing intervention that
<can provide positive clinical outcomes <for both mother and infant.
<This home visit is particularly <beneficial to the breastfeeding dyad
<(Bennett & Tandy, 1998).

<Betty Erickson, SN

<     Bennett, R.L. & Tandy, L.J. <(1998). Postpartum Home Visits:
<Extending the Continuum of Care From <Hospital to Home. Home Healthcare
<Nurse, 16 (5).

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