World Breastfeeding Week – Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding for All
In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, we celebrate how KSB staff works daily to “close the gap” by supporting breastfeeding mothers throughout their journey.
The Outpatient Lactation Clinic at KSB exists to help postpartum mothers meet their breastfeeding goals, with Certified Lactation Counselors (and experienced nurses) who provide one-on-one consultations. Run by Gwen Strum, BSN, RN, IBCLC, appointments can be made the first five to ten days after a baby is born for more in-depth support of breastfeeding establishment and to aid in supporting the personalized goals of the breastfeeding parent.
KSB currently offers four Certified Lactation Counselors and two International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants. After a mother delivers, the staff works to ensure she understands how to establish a milk supply and how to latch the baby with an effective latch that transfers milk and helps a mom have minimal discomfort while nursing. After going home, home visit nurse Monica Rasmussen, BSN, RN, CLC, will visit to assess the transition and help with troubleshooting.
As Outpatient Lactation and Community Outreach Coordinator, Gwen Strum has been involved in lactation for ten years. However, she developed an even greater passion for helping nursing moms after having her own children.
“The time that follows a woman giving birth is unique, and the support she receives during her pregnancy should be ongoing,” says Strum. “Through my years working in OB, we realized we needed someone to fill that role to specialize in lactation. I wanted to fill that gap, so I sat for my boards last fall and have been working hard to get the word out about this service. I absolutely love supporting new mamas, working with breastfeeding families and trying to help them meet their goals, no matter what they are!”
KSB Supports Mothers in Essential Ways
- Prenatal education classes.
- Individual prenatal and inpatient lactation consults.
- Lactation on call seven days a week to talk via phone and schedule an appointment with outpatient lactation if needed.
- Home visits with a lactation nurse.
- Outpatient lactation clinic.
- Provider and staff education on up-to-date breastfeeding support and care management.
- Mother’s room (hospital third floor, room 354) for nursing or pumping staff and visitors.
- Postpartum support groups for all mothers.
KSB’s Breastfeeding Classes and Fourth-Trimester Groups Offers Safe, Practical Support
The breastfeeding class is an in-depth look at essential breastfeeding education for pregnant women who are planning to breastfeed or who aren’t sure if breastfeeding is the right option for them. It is interactive and provides evidence-based information to all attendees.
The fourth-trimester support group is a safe space for all pregnant or postpartum women to meet and support one another through a tender life season. Various pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care topics are discussed, along with crafts, snacks, giveaways, and laughter.
“Supporting breastfeeding mothers is essential for health, community, as employees, and more,” adds Strum. “There is so much evidence available to help support the fact that breastmilk is the optimal nutrition for an infant, and there are many things that may come up that make it difficult for a mother to provide that nutrition for her child, so we want to be there to help!”
