hi Jeanne, We used the "old" edition of the BFHI course, we distributed copies to all staff who are involved in direct patient care. they were required to complete the course within a year of hire, unless they could document prior equivalent or greater training in lactation. We made up some self tests for staff to test their knowledge, and we did quite a few of these quizzes before we had our site visit from Baby Friendly. I think the self study concept is a great idea, many hospitals require all bedside staff to be trained in neonatal resuscitation. In my hospital, the study materials for neonatal resuscitation are at least 1.5 inches thick, and staff is expected to study on their own. They are given a skills check-off, more extensive the initial time, and then renewed by written and skills testing every 2 years. This is for a skill/body of knowledge that everyone is expected to know--but only a few will use regularly. Breastfeeding is something we all help with daily, and well-informed, skilled support at the bedside makes a HUGE difference in moms' success and in their satisfaction with the care they received. A winner for everyone when it goes well. Martha Johnson RN IBCLC Eugene Oregon iginal Message----- From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, February 15, 2002 4:40 PM To: Johnson, Martha (Lactation-SHMC) Subject: 18 HOUR COURSE Hi Martha- I am responding to your question on Lactnet. Last fall I purchased the January 1999 edition of the 18 hour course. The toll free number to call to order this publication is 888-888-8077, which is Health Education Associates Inc. I am interested in your comment that you used the 18 hour course as a self-study training, complemented by some shadowing. Would you be willing to tell me a little about how you did it? I am an LC in a hospital and trying to increase our staff education on breastfeeding-the self study concept might work for us. I would be grateful for any info on what you did. Thank you! Jeanne Brenia RN IBCLC, Waterbury, Connecticut *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html