Yes, I have a listing of competencies for staff nurses that is part of a
model hospital breastfeeding policy publication. The competencies are listed
below. I chose these as the ones most necessary to be proficient in within
the short hospital stay. These are based on what mothers need to know and the
outcomes of babies whose mothers do not know how to tell if the baby is
getting enough, etc. As long as you keep the copyright symbol, date, and the
name of Lactation Associates on the document and state on it that it is used
with permission from me then you are all free to use it. Just e-mail me
before you do, so that I know where it is being used and can give my
permission. This also forms the outline of a workshop I do on these
competencies.
If we all share and work together, maybe we will make some headway with
breastfeeding. Some days, the barbarians at the gate look like they're going
to win!
Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA USA
Breastfeeding Skills Checklist for Nurses
These can be considered as minimal competencies for supporting the
breastfeeding mother. They assume mastery of the research based policies and
protocols contained in this manual. Postpartum nurses will be able to:
o state the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants
o provide empathetic support and act as an advocate for the breastfeeding
family
o acquire the knowledge base to effectively work with culturally diverse
populations
o identify nipple and breast structural anomalies that may impact the course
of lactation
o state current research-based breastfeeding management recommendations for
optimal breastmilk production and infant weight gain
o discriminate between nutritive and non-nutritive sucking and assess
successful milk transfer from mother to baby
o document swallowing at breast
o assess and teach proper positioning of mother and baby for pain-free
breastfeeding
o develop individual feeding plans for mothers based on feeding observations
o practice counseling and communication techniques that empower and inform
o recommend and demonstrate special breastfeeding techniques for common
problems
o identify breastfeeding assistance devices and equipment, determine when
they should be used, and teach mothers how to use them appropriately
o develop breastfeeding plans for special situations such as prematurity,
cleft lip/palate latch-on problems, neurological impairment, etc.
o determine the need for consultation and collaboration with other health
care providers or consultants
o refer mothers as necessary to lactation specialists, peer support groups,
or other health care specialists as needed
o provide anticipatory guidance to reduce the risk of breastfeeding problems
o inform the parents of normal infant behaviors such as sleeping, crying,
etc. as they relate to breastfeeding
o inform the parents of the signs that their baby is receiving enough milk
© 1998 Lactation Associates
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