As professionals in the lactation field could
>you provide me with your top 3 most important concepts that need to be
>presented to these pharmacists in training?  I want our pharmacists to be
>well educated about breastfeeding so they can promote breastfeeding with
>confidence in their pharmacy practice.

I work with a pharmacy that rents breast pumps and the woman who handles the
rentals is very good about discussing why the pump is needed and she always
gives my business card to the customers.  I have had several calls from moms
who sent hubby to get a nipple shield and was told to talk to me about the
importanct of this being a short-term tool. Sometimes Dad goes home with my
card and no shield.  I have them if they are needed. I would like all rental
stations to accept that a pump is not a solution, but a means to the
solution. "My" pharmacy is eager to promote breastfeeding and not just
rentals and supplies.

Pump customers often tell her about the breastfeeding problem and she is in
a good place to go beyond just handing over a pump, which she always sets up
and demonstrates for the customer. I think that a knowledge of basic milk
transfer, supply, and the common latch problems would be helpful.  But most
of all an awareness of who the LCs are and what they can do for the mother
and baby. What you can do for them is convey the health benefits of
breastfeeding, give some basic information,  and stimulate their interest in
becoming more knowledgeabele and a "team player" with the LCs and MDs.

Referrals. Referrals. Referrals.
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