Supporting the breastfeeding mother with a hospitalised infant
When caring for an unwell, breastfeeding infant, paediatric nurses need to be mindful of including the mother in their plan of care. These mothers have unique needs and the hospitalised infant provides nurses with a unique opportunity to discuss feeding-related concerns and to refer to more specialised advice when appropriate.
Course Overview
This session aims to equip Paediatric Nurses with the practical tools to support a mother whose breastfeeding infant is hospitalised. Participants will gain knowledge on how breastfeeding works for both mother and baby, including normal infant feeding and sleeping behaviours, and learn key tips in identifying an effective latch. Practical strategies for assisting mothers to maintain their breast milk supply and protecting the breastfeeding relationship will be shared and advice on when to refer on for more skilled support from a Lactation Consultant.
Learning Outcomes
In this session, you will:
- Gain an awareness of the importance of protecting the breastfeeding relationship during an infant’s hospital admission
- Gain an understanding of barriers to the breastfeeding relationship in the hospital setting and why these should be minimised
- Identify ways to support a mother to maintain her breast milk supply during her infant’s hospitalisation
- Identify key factors in assessing a baby as having a deep and effective, or poor latch at the breast and when more expert help should be sought from a lactation consultant.
Course Content
Details
CPD
First Published
Updated
Expires
D
1 hour
Sept 2019
Sept 2019
Nov 2021
Also found in
Usage & Integrity
Professional Development Leave Documents
Educator
Rowena Gray has a background in paediatric nursing and midwifery before becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2010 after falling in love with supporting mothers to have a better breastfeeding experience.
Her passion lies in sharing information in a way that is ‘no-nonsense’, understandable and relevant to the individual needs of each mum, bub and family.
Rowena is the author of ‘Born to Breastfeed – the first six weeks and beyond’ and has also published breastfeeding articles in parenting magazines (The Natural Parent Magazine & Nurture Parenting) as well as online. (Medium.com).
A mother to three young daughters, Rowena has experienced the ups and downs of breastfeeding firsthand.
She has been working in private practice in Melbourne since 2012 and also runs a monthly breastfeeding education workshop in the western suburbs.
When she’s not working with Mums and bubs Rowena enjoys spending time outdoors on a bike with her husband and 3 girls.
