I am writing to see if anyone has an outline or other suggestions for setting up a "NICU breastfeeding class". I started as one of two part-time LCs in our hospital three months ago. We have slowly transitioned from RN staff on mother/baby and NICU units, to our new jobs. Now we would like to start making some changes to the breastfeeding classes. I searched the archives but didn't find any specific postings to this type of class. I am in need of some suggestions on what to present and if there is a particular order of presentation. Also if there are specific emotional or supportive elements that should be address and how to approach these. Our unit is a Level 3 NICU, and the gestational ages range from 23-40+ weeks. We have some moms who pump only because we asked, some who had planned to breastfeed and others who don't want to do either. We have the video “A preemie needs his mother" by Dr.Jane Morton, and use it in the current class. The one class, of two moms, I had was basically a support group, since both had been seen more than once in the hospital or as an office visit, prior to the class. We try and cover the basics prior to the class in our bedside visits. Usually we are setting up the electric breast pumps and providing written material in the form of a "NICU specific" breastfeeding packet. We have a large number of transported infants to hour hospital, so we do not see these moms until after they are discharged from their hospital. I would really like to see an increase in the number of moms attending the class and better meet their special needs. We are looking at providing this class one Saturday a month, to reach those families who can not come on the current week day classes. Thank you, in advance to all who make suggestions. Ann Slaughter RN, IBCLC Mobile, AL *********************************************** 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(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html