I am part of a small group interested in addressing this issue.  We have come
up with a couple of ideas, and I would like to know if these exist out there,
or what Lactnetters think about how they might work.  I work for a Public
Health Nursing agency that includes a Home Health Care business.  We only
have one hospital in town that serves our region, and will very likely be
merging soon.  The hospital has appx. 800 deliveries/yr.

1) Establishing LC assessment/education for all BF moms that come back for
newborn screen (required >48hrs to 5 days) at hospital. This is nearly 100%
for vaginal births.  Hosp. C-sec rate is 18% :( , but LC could definitely
visit during hospital stay (and usually does now).

2) Establishing home visit program by Home Health Care nurse to ALL new
babies.  This nurse(s) would be trained/experienced in BF matters & would
refer to LC as necessary.  LC could offer phone support, classes, home
visits, or office visits.

Both of these option include other educational items such as social services
in the area, programs, ensuring health care provider, access to
immunizations, etc.

Any other ideas? What would be pros/cons of each, and which one would you
pick if you could only do one?  Please post, or private email me at
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Sandy Arnold BS, IBCLC