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Forwarded message:
Subj:    Formal education
Date:    95-10-10 22:56:15 EDT
From:    JSFouche
To:      [log in to unmask]

I am writing to see if someone can suggest a comprehensive bf course that I
can do at home.  I am an RN and am currently working on my hours needed to
take the IBCLC exam.  I have read literally hundreds of bf articles and
almost every text and pamphlet available on bf.  I currently serve as the
breastfeeding educator at the hospital that I work at.  I mainly work on
staff education and policy revising and writing.  I will soon be starting a
prenatal class on bf.  The staff frequently calls me in about difficult
situations (i.e. poor latch, hypoglycemia, sick babies, etc).  I love helping
mothers learn to bf.  Nothing is more satisfying than after spending an hour
trying to get the baby positioned and latched, then voila!  he latches on and
feeds.  The smile on the mother's face is weel worth the backache I get from
leaning over her bed.  Besides birth, bf is the most precious sight I see.  I
love seeing a mother swell with pride and joy as her baby lovingly suckles
and feeds from her breast.
      The only problem I have is a lack of formal education.  I do plan on
going back to school to get my MN/MPH in maternal/newborn nursing with a
focus on bf.  What is available as a correspondance class.  I already network
with IBCLCs in the area for problems that I feel need their attention
(problems out of my "scope" of practice).  Any help on this matter would be
appreciated.

P.S.  I have only been an RN for 15+ months

TIA

Jeffrey S. Fouche, RN, BSN
Assistant Director of Maternal/Child Services
Barrow Medical Center
Winder, GA

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