I, too, have taken Keys to Caregiving from NCAST, and have certified in two
NCAST assessment tools.  I have found them to be pertinent to my practice,
and have thoroughly enjoyed the information.  NCAST has a number of
different assessment tools, including community health tools.  Although they
are not breastfeeding specific per se, they are easily applied to our
practice.  I have also taught many of these concepts to NBN nurses, and find
it to be great for them, too, in recognizing states and cueing behaviors,
and in providing state-dependent care.

Catherine Barnard initiated the NCAST research in the early 70's through the
University of Washington College of Nursing.  Georgina Sumner now heads up
the programming, and is an excellent teacher and mentor.  I have spoken with
her several times over the years, and have found her to be enlightening.
NCAST has a website with good information, and provides an online method to
contact her.  My recommendation would be go for it!

Linda J. Tandy, MSN, RN, IBCLC
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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