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International accolade for Narrabri healthcare staff
Two healthcare professionals at Narrabri District Health Service have gained an international credential after passing the International Board Certified Lactation Exam.
Child and Family Health Nurse Wendy White and Midwife Sally Bates have been assisting new mothers in the Narrabri district to breastfeed for more than eight years they are now recognized internationally as lactation consultants.
Mrs White said the exam was a major undertaking for both us. We had to demonstrate to the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) our specialised knowledge and also clinical expertise in breastfeeding.
“The IBCLCs is the governing body for the promotion of breastfeeding in the world. It hopes to raise the standards of care in lactation management, increase the practice of breastfeeding and evaluate professional care,” she said.
Both Sally and Wendy meet the strict pre-exam criteria having met clinical practice and breastfeeding counselling hour’s requirements, before tackling the qualifying exam.
Midwife Sally Bates said every baby deserves the best start in life, breastfeeding from birth helps protects newborns from illness and infection and aids the baby’s development.
“We have been working towards providing mothers with as much information as possible to enable them to breastfeed successfully. Being affiliated with the IBCLC we are also able to provide substantive breastfeeding assistance and skilled technical management of breastfeeding problems.
Like many facilities within Hunter New England Health, Narrabri District Health Service is also working towards achieving a baby friendly accreditation as part of The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).
BFHI is a global project which hopes to foster a supportive environment which increases the success rate of women breastfeeding, thereby reducing the chances of infant mortality.
To achieve accreditation, staff members within in the Hunter New England Health (HNE Health) have to demonstrate best practice procedures within the BFHI program.
Contact: Kylie Dawson (Communication Unit)
Phone: Phone: 6767 7136 Mobile: 0408 667 299
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