Lactation Support

Lactation Consultants

The Birthplace at Susquehanna Health employs three International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. (www.iblce.org) under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

IBCLC – International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
RNC – Registered Nurse Clinician
CBC – Certified Breastfeeding Counselor

Maryanne Eismann RN, BSN, IBCLC	Lisa McCloskey RN, BSN, IBCLC	Audrey S. Gabriel RN, BSN, IBCLC

Breastfeeding Counselors

Additionally, the hospital has five breastfeeding counselors. The breastfeeding counselors, together with the lactation consultants, provide an invaluable service to breastfeeding families. Breastfeeding counselors attend a course of study specific to lactation from the Childbirth Education Organization. Upon successful completion of the 16 contact hours, the participants are considered Certified Breastfeeding Counselors and may use the initials CBC after their name.

Tara Koser RN, BSN, CBC	Natalie McCullen RNC, CBC	Tammy Richie RN, CBC
Jeannine Sheddy RN, CBC	Sheila Stabley RNC, CBC

Some of the services provided by The Birthplace's lactation team include:

• Routine inpatient visits.
• Outpatient telephone calls.
• Outpatient consultations as needed.

Some of the routine education provided includes:

• Assessment of proper breastfeeding techniques.
• Use, availability and purchase/rental of breast pumps.
• Help with the transition of the newborn from hospital to home, especially preterm and/or sick newborns.

Common problems such as sore nipples, insufficient milk supply, incorrect positioning at the breast and engorgement are dealt with on a daily basis. Lactation personnel are here to help families have a successful breastfeeding experience.