Wet Set
Gazette: November 25, 2003
Breastfeeding Promotion Workshops Offered
by Karen Peters, Executive Director
of the Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles
Debbie is expecting her first baby She is thinking about
breastfeeding her baby because she has heard that babies are
healthier when breastfed. During her prenatal visits, No one talks
to her about how she will feed her baby. She sees formula company
logos on the flyers in the waiting room. She receives formula
samples in her hospital discharge package.
Susan is also expecting her first baby. At each prenatal visit her
health care providers have some comment or question about
breastfeeding. At her first visit, Susan was asked what she has
heard about breastfeeding. The next month, Susan hears that her
breasts are growing larger because they are preparing to make milk
for her baby. Later, Susan is asked if she has enrolled in the
Breastfeeding Class at her clinic. Susan sees breastfeeding posters
in the waiting room.
Which scenario is most supportive of breastfeeding? Of course, Susan
is more likely to breastfeed her baby because she hears and sees
that breastfeeding is the normal way that babies are fed. She gets
the message that babies are born to be breastfed.
Healthcare providers have a huge impact on breastfeeding. First
Responders are health care providers who are the first ones to
assist newly pregnant and parenting families, such as hospital and
community based home visitation providers, Early Head Start staff,
Black Infant Health staff, WIC staff, CPHWs, Social Workers, Health
Educators, Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses, Promtoras,
and pediatric, obstetrical, and family practice office staff.
Are you a First Responder? Do women look to you for baby care and
feeding information? If so, then this workshop is for you.
Breastfeeding: It’s Too Important Not To. First Responders Workshop
This half-day workshop is designed as an orientation to the
importance of promoting breastfeeding as the normal way of feeding
infants. We will explore personal beliefs, feelings and issues
surrounding breast-feeding, the value of breastfeeding to family and
society, overcoming barriers to breastfeeding, and how to advocate,
empower and support clients in their efforts to breastfeed. The
registration fee is $25.
This affordable workshop will be repeated in several locations
throughout Los Angeles County. The following workshops have been
scheduled:
Friday, January 23, 2004, 12:30 to 4:30 pm, Lancaster
Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, West Covina
Other dates and locations will be scheduled throughout 2004. The
Breastfeeding Task Force can bring this Workshop to your location.
Call if you would like to have us train at your facility.
The Breastfeeding Task Force offers ongoing opportunities for
professional continuing education. On Friday, March 19, 2004, the
Breastfeeding Task Force will offer a seminar on Breastfeeding
Babies with Common Complications: Jaundice, Hypoglycemia and
Maternal Infections. This full day seminar is designed to offer
current information, clinical strategies and interventions to
support and maintain breastfeeding in infants with common neonatal
complications. Complications discussed will include: jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia),
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and maternal infections. These
complications are frequently seen as contraindications to
breastfeeding but that need not be so with careful support from
health care providers. Infants with these conditions may well be
cared for in the normal nursery or be discharged home with follow-up
by community health care providers. A mothers panel discussion will
also share information about the family’s feelings and needs when
common complications occur. The registration fee is $85.
The target audience for this seminar is: Physicians, Registered
Nurses, Dietitians / Nutritionists, Lactation Consultants, La Leche
League Leaders, Health Educators and others interested in supporting
families in the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Babies with Common Complications: Jaundice,
Hypoglycemia and Maternal Infections will be held Friday, March 19,
2004, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, in Long Beach. The speaker will be
Lawrence Gartner, MD. Dr. Gartner is Professor Emeritus, Departments
of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology at The University of
Chicago. He is Chair of the Executive Committee of the Section on
Breastfeeding of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Visit the Task Force Website
www.breastfeedla.org
Click on Upcoming Seminars to download registration brochures and
check for upcoming dates and locations.
The Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles is a group of
dedicated volunteers who strive to improve infant health by making
breastfeeding the cultural norm. We are an inclusive organization
with no dues or membership fees. We meet quarterly to network with
other breastfeeding advocates and to get updates on Task Force
committee activities. For meeting dates or to subscribe to the Task
Force e-newsletter, visit
www.BreastfeedLA.org.
