Early Care Program Increases Access to Breastfeeding Counselors

​Early Care Healthy Families is increasing the number of their staff who are able to help breastfeeding mothers. Five staff members attended the Breastfeeding Counselor Certification Course in Pittsburgh in April.

“If you’ve never breastfed a baby, you would think it should be a very easy, natural thing,” said Maria Friend, Early Care Programs Director. “It is very natural, but sometimes new moms need a little support as they start this new adventure. Our counselors can answer questions, offer tips, help calm their nerves, and let them know they are not alone.”

Staff members who attended and completed the course were Jennifer Vanpelt, RN; Caroline Shiflett, RN; Lacy Coffren, RN; Morgan Sanders; and Tonya Beckman.

“We are pleased to announce that all the nurses passed the exam and are now Certified Breastfeeding Counselors through Prepared Childbirth Educators!” said Friend. “The course is set up for nurses to receive certification, which includes Jennifer, Caroline, and Lacy. While Morgan and Tonya could not receive certification, they were able to learn an incredible amount of information that will assist them in working with new moms.”

As part of the course work, staff increased individual knowledge levels and developed skills that will be utilized to promote high quality lactation and breastfeeding support and care to expectant and new moms and infants throughout the community.

These newly certified counselors join Erin Marsh, who recently completed the rigorous course work and passed the exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The Health Department has three additional IBCLC’s, Tracy Savage and Carol Bass, who work out of the WIC Department, and Katie Welch who is on contract with Early Care to assist with classes and individual support services.

“Breastfeeding provides healthy nutrients that has been proven to have many health benefits for newborns such as protection from certain illness and a lower risk of developing allergies.” said Friend. “There is also research to prove that the risk of breast cancer and other types of cancer is reduced for breastfeeding moms. Our breastfeeding counselors and IBCLC’s are here to support you through your breastfeeding journey!”

For more information about breastfeeding counseling, or other services from Early Care Programs, call 301-334-7720 or 301-895-3111.

Cutline: The Early Care Health Families Program recently increase the number of staff certified to help breastfeeding mothers. Pictured above are those recently certified, including seated left to right, Morgan Sanders, Lacy Coffren, and Jennifer Vanpelt; back row, Tonya Beckman, Erin Marsh, and Caroline Shiflett.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department