The Breastfeeding Educator Program™
| Overview | Certification of Breastfeeding Educators |
| Program Agenda | Recertification Options |
| CEUs & Program Policies | Up-coming Programs |
| About the Presenter |
Overview of the Breastfeeding Educator Program™
A fifteen session, customized, comprehensive, basic education program for health care providers to assist breastfeeding families is now available from Lactation Consultant Services™.
The Breastfeeding Educator Program™ is usually presented in three (long) days and addresses normal circumstance breastfeeding and challenges commonly experienced in a chronologic format beginning in the prenatal period until weaning. Assisting employed breastfeeding mothers and mothers with critically ill infants is also included. Promoting breastfeeding among socioeconomically disadvantaged and facilitating change in clinical settings are also addressed. Evidence-based, practical, clinical management strategies and discussion of the professional literature as rationale for practice are emphasized throughout the program.
High risk "flags" are identified in various phases of lactation to assist health care providers prioritize their care of families who may need additional assistance and support. The breastfeeding promotion and assistance team is encouraged to help families meet their breastfeeding goals based on informed decisions. "Baby Friendly" Initiative criterion are incorporated in the sessions. The American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for breastfeeding management are also emphasized.
The program was initially developed in 1987 by Debi Bocar, RN and Linda Shrago, RN for hospital based nurses and has been modified to address issues encountered in home health, follow-up services, physician offices, health department and WIC settings. See Program Agenda for additional information.
An optional certification process (Certified Breastfeeding Educator™) is conferred by Lactation Consultant Services™ and is available for participants who incorporate breastfeeding assistance with other perinatal health care. Certified Breastfeeding Educators™ are not qualified to function as lactation consultants.
Many breastfeeding educators continue their education and become lactation consultants. (The continuing education credits earned by participating in the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ can be applied towards requirements to become a lactation consultant.) However, the goal of the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ is to prepare breastfeeding educators who are well positioned in the health care team to assist many families and communicate the normalcy of breastfeeding as they integrate breastfeeding promotion and assistance with other perinatal health services they provide.
Certification as a breastfeeding educator provides an added credential, validating special knowledge and skills for employers, professional colleagues, and consumers. It communicates that a health care provider has completed a comprehensive course and is prepared to assist breastfeeding families with normal lactation and common breastfeeding challenges.
Certification as a breastfeeding educator requires attendance at the fifteen session Breastfeeding Educator Program™, completion of clinical role play demonstrations with oral discussions of the management of common breastfeeding challenges, and completion of a 50 item multiple-choice examination. Certification is conferred by Lactation Consultant Services™ and is in effect for five years. There is an additional certification fee of $25. An optional Certified Breastfeeding Educator™ pin is available for $5. A one-day research update conference with optional recertification is available at least annually through Lactation Consultant Services™. See Certification of Breastfeeding Educators and Recertification Options for additional information.
The program is presented by Debi Bocar, RN, MS(N), PhD, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Dr. Bocar has presented the program more than 70 times and has been revising the program for sixteen years. She uses more than 3000 clinical and narrative slides, as well as video tape segments and demonstrations to illustrate the concepts in the program. Participants divide into pairs and use a Skills Equipment Kit (includes a Lactessa doll, breast model, breast shells, supplemental nursing devices, manual breast pumps, etc.) to practice procedures throughout the workshop related to positioning, latch-on, supplementation, breastmilk expression, and other assistance techniques.
Dr. Bocar has presented at numerous national meetings (ILCA, AWHONN, LLLI Physicians' Seminar, LLLI, etc.) and has published parent education materials as well as contributed to the professional literature. See About the Presenter for additional information. She helped establish the Breastfeeding Resource Center and is currently a perinatal educator at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City.
Sponsoring agencies determine the participant fees for the program (usually ranging from $275 to $375.) The program has been approved through the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) for up to 30 CEUs (MONA is an American Nurses Credential Center Commission on Accreditation approved provider) and up to 30 L-CERPs by IBLCE. Participants receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of the program. See CEUs & Program Policies for additional information.
The Breastfeeding Educator Program™ is presented in a variety of locations. See Up-coming Programs for specific locations and dates. Contact other agencies directly to be placed on a specific mailing list.
If your agency is interested in sponsoring the Breastfeeding Educator Program™, please contact us for additional information. Summaries of usual agency expenses and a division of responsibilities between the sponsoring agency and Lactation Consultant Services™ are available.
For additional information contact:
Debi Bocar, RN, PhD, IBCLC
Director, Lactation Consultant Services™
11320 Shady Glen Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73162
405-722-2163
Breastfeeding Educator Program™
Program Agenda
| Day One | |
| 6:45 - 7:15 | Registration |
| 7:15 - 7:25 | Welcome, Announcements, Introductions |
| 7:25 - 9:00 |
Breastfeeding: Is It Still the Best? Informed infant feeding choice Risks/Benefits of infant feeding choices Why aren't more mothers breastfeeding? Breastfeeding support team members Baby-Friendly Initiative |
| 9:00 - 9:15 | Break |
| 9:15 - 10:50 |
Breastfeeding: Is It Still the Best? (continued) Prenatal Care for Breastfeeding Families Prenatal assessment Social support, Cognitive preparation Three phase process for promotion and education Breast and nipple assessment Previous breast surgery Update on prenatal recommendations Prenatal baby feeding classes "Flags" indicating additional assistance & support needed |
| 10:50 - 11:00 | Break |
| 11:00 - 12:15 |
Optimizing First Feedings Impact of early experiences on breastfeeding Optimal labor support "Welcoming" babies at birth Creating optimal feeding readiness Influence of analgesia and anesthesia on breastfeeding Breastfeeding immediately after birth Infant states of consciousness related to feeding |
| 12:15 - 1:15 | Lunch |
| 1:15 - 2:40 |
Positioning and Latch-On Positioning at breast Classic cradle hold, transitional hold, football (clutch) hold, side-lying hold Cuing baby (eliciting mouth-opening reflex) Latching baby on breast Assessing the infant at breast Role play with dolls and breast models |
| 2:40 - 2:50 | Break |
| 2:50 - 4:00 |
Demystifying Milk Supply Milk removal principle of milk production Frequency and length of breastfeeding sessions Milk ejection reflex Routine supplementation; Artificial Nipples; Pacifiers Key factors to get breastfeeding off to a good start |
| 4:00 - 4:10 | Break |
| 4:10 - 5:30 |
Maternal Learning Needs Prioritizing content with shorter birth setting stays Evaluating educational materials How to assess "If baby is getting enough?" Food myths and maternal nutrition Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, exercise recommendations |
| Day Two | |
| 7:30 - 9:00 |
Later Breastfeeding High need/fussy babies Sexuality and breastfeeding Vitamin and mineral supplementation (including Vitamin D, iron, and fluoride recommendations) Weaning techniques Tandem nursing |
| 9:00 - 9:15 | Break |
| 9:15 - 10:50 |
Later Breastfeeding (continued) Difficult Latch-On Premature termination of breastfeeding Communication considerations in challenging situations Assessment-based interventions for difficult latch-on (Sleepy baby, nipple and breast variations, unsustained latch-on, preference for one breast, maternal anxiety) Appropriate use of nipple shields Fluid enticement Follow-up care with challenging latch-on |
| 10:50 - 11:00 | Break |
| 11:00 - 12:15 |
Difficult Latch-On (continued) When Supplementation is Indicated Guidelines for supplementation When to supplement How much to supplement Types of supplements (advantages and disadvantages) Methods of supplementation (advantages and disadvantages) Practice using supplementation equipment Supporting continued Lactation |
| 12:15 - 1:15 | Lunch |
| 1:15 - 2:40 |
Sore Nipples Preventing or minimizing nipple trauma Assessment of nipple trauma Assessment-based management of nipple trauma Correcting disorganized suck Management of candidiasis (yeast infection) Comfort measures for sore nipples Enhancing healing of sore nipples Follow-up care |
| 2:40 - 2:50 | Break |
| 2:50 - 4:00 |
Additional Early Challenges Hypoglycemia and breastfeeding management Review of Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's recommendations for assessment and management of hypoglycemia How breastfeeding influences jaundice Physiologic, pathologic, and breastmilk jaundice Prevention and treatment of pathologic engorgement Management of leaking Review of management goals for breastfeeding challenges Telephone counseling Triage, third/fourth day follow-up calls, anticipatory guidance Optimizing care when breastfeeding is discontinued |
| 4:00 - 4:10 | Break |
| 4:10 - 5:30 |
Special Maternal and Infant Situation - Part I Ill infants Hospitalized infants Fasting prior to general anesthesia Babies with cleft lips and cleft palates Babies who gain weight slowly Insufficient milk supply - factors influencing production Strategies to increase milk production Lactagogues |
| Day Three | |
| 7:30 - 9:00 |
Special Maternal Situations - Part II Promotion of breastfeeding among adolescent mothers Breastfeeding after a cesarean birth Breastfeeding multiples Ill mothers Psycho-social issues related to breastfeeding Postpartum depression Less-than-optimal childhood history Treatment of obstructed ducts and mastitis Maternal medications Relactation and induced lactation |
| 9:00 - 9:15 | Break |
| 9:15 - 10:50 |
Combining Employment and Breastfeeding Concerns of employed breastfeeding mothers Strategies to facilitate continued breastfeeding Feeding options Developing a personal plan Methods of milk expression Practice manual expression techniques with breast model Criteria for selection of breast pumps Practice assembling manual breast pumps Strategies to optimize effectiveness of breast pumps Breastmilk storage Storage containers, storage guidelines (freshly expressed, refrigerated, frozen, and thawed breastmilk) Maintaining/increasing milk supply while employed |
| 10:50 - 11:00 | Break |
| 11:00 - 12:15 |
Breastfeeding Critically Ill Infants Supporting mother's decision Maintaining milk supply Storage recommendations for hospitalized infants Kangaroo (skin-to-skin) care Early direct feeding Follow-up care |
| 12:15 - 1:15 | Lunch |
| 1:15 - 3:00 |
Creating An Effective Team Correcting misinformation among colleagues Consumer advocacy - Making Changes "Baby Friendly" Initiative World Breastfeeding Week opportunities Change Activity |
| 3:00 |
Adjournment and Check-Out of Skills Kits Awarding of certificates of attendance (For participants who are not certifying as Breastfeeding Educators) |
|
3:00 - 3:10 |
Break (For participants who are completing certification) |
Optional Certification Activities
| 3:10 - 3:40 | Role Play Demonstrations |
| 3:40 - 5:30 |
Certification Examination (Some participants may finish before 5:30) |
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
This program has been approved for continuing education units (CEUs) from
the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing
Center's Commission on Accreditation (ANCCA). An additional 2.8 CEUs have been approved for
completing the optional certification process. Thus, 30 CEUs may be earned in this program. Participants can attend single days of the program and earn the following CELL's/CERP's.
Day 1 10.0 Day 2 9.9 Day 3 7.3 Certification 2.8 -------- Total 30
The program has also been approved by the International Board of Lactation
Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) for up to 30 L-CERPs (Lactation related Continuing Education
Recognition Points.)
Policy Regarding Babies and Children Attending the Conference
While the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ Committee supports mothers breastfeeding
their babies and children, and mothers are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the conference area,
feedback from previous program participants and the intensity of the program format have made it
necessary to request a helper to accompany mothers and infants older than 6 months. A quiet room/area
(that can also be used for expressing breastmilk) is usually available. (Check with specific program
registration coordinator.) Mothers and noisy infants may be asked to leave the conference presentation
at the discretion of the program committee.
Limited Registration
The program accepts a limited number of registrants. If registering within two
weeks of the program, please call or e-mail the sponsoring organization to determine if registration is
still open.
Confirmation
Sponsoring agencies will mail a confirmation notice with map/travel directions.
If you have not received written confirmation within two weeks of the scheduled program, please
contact the sponsoring agency.
Hotel Accommodations
Sponsoring organizations make arrangements for conference room rates with a local
hotel. Contact the specific sponsoring organization for the conference hotel telephone number.
Conference Comfort
To accommodate temperature variation in meeting rooms please bring a sweater or
jacket. Climate control will be adjusted to the group's preference.
Schedule Alterations
No alternations to the conference faculty or schedule are anticipated, but
the program sponsors reserve the right to make changes if necessary. The sponsoring organizations are
not responsible for registrants' airline or hotel expenses in the event of a schedule change. The
morning start and evening finish times, as well as the luncheon breaks are strictly adhered to each
day. The breaks between sessions are somewhat flexible.
About the Developer and Presenter of the
Breastfeeding Educator Program™
Debi Leslie Bocar holds Baccalaureate degrees in nursing and sociology from the University of Oklahoma . She holds an Associate degree in nursing from Oklahoma State University , a Masters degree in nursing from the University of Oklahoma and a Masters degree in health education from the University of Central Oklahoma . She has earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Oklahoma . Evaluation of educational programs was the topic for her dissertation.
Dr. Bocar is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
She served on the original panel of experts that developed the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners' certification process in 1984 for IBCLCs. She an invited participant to develop the American Nurses Association's Maternal-Child Nursing Certification Examination. In 1984, Ms. Bocar was awarded IBCLC certification for "outstanding contributions to the field of lactation". She has continued her certification as a lactation consultant through examination and continuing education.
Debi compiled a prototype curriculum topical outline for basic educational preparation for lactation consultants. She has served as a consultant to and member of the Lactation Consultant Department of La Leche League International.
She has taught in basic educational preparation programs at the University of Oklahoma for baccalaureate nursing students and in the Moore-Norman Career Track program for practical nursing students. Debi has developed numerous continuing education programs for health care providers and is a frequent presenter of short-term programs in Oklahoma City addressing optimal health and performance. Dr. Bocar is actively involved in community organizations such as Contact, PEACE, Medical Alliance, Church of the Servant, Healing Touch of Oklahoma, and Habitat for Humanity.
For more than 30 years Debi has worked with families in all phases of lactation. She helped develop the Breastfeeding Resource Center at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City and is currently a perinatal and parent educator at Mercy where she teaches breastfeeding, baby massage, baby sitting, and parenting classes. She also facilitates a new parent support group and volunteers as a doula. Debi is the director of Lactation Consultant Services™, from which she provides continuing education programs for health care providers. She created the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ in 1987 and has revised and presented it more than 70 times throughout the United States , in the Philippines and Tiawan.
Debi has presented at numerous professional educational conferences including, International Lactation Consultant Association Conference and Pre-Conference Workshop, Physician's Seminar of La Leche League International, AWHONN's National Conference, International Conference on the Theory and Practice and Human Lactation Research and Breastfeeding Management, AWHONN District Seven Conference, La Leche League Workshop for Lactation Consultants, Iowa Annual Breastfeeding Conference, Arkansas Parenting Education Network annual conference and numerous Oklahoma professional organizations' conferences. She has published in Journal of Human Lactation, JOGNN, Breastfeeding Abstracts, Breastfeeding & Human Lactation, Lactation Consultant's Topical Review, AWHONN's Clinical Issues in Perinatal Health, Breastfeeding Outlook and Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing. She co-authored a chapter (discussing breastfeeding education) in Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (Editions 1, 2 & 3).
Dr. Bocar has participated in breastfeeding research projects and has published educational and support materials for breastfeeding families and health care providers. She has developed an Instructor Training Program for Focused Baby Massage™. She has been awarded grants to teach parenting in correctional facilities and alternative highschools.
She is a member of Association of Women's Health, Obstetrical, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, La Leche League International, Doula Association of North American, International Childbirth Education Association, and Philippine Medical Association of Oklahoma. She is the founding president of the Oklahoma Coalition for Breastfeeding Advocacy. In 1998, she was named Nurse of the Year by the Oklahoma Section of AWHONN. She is a founding member of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). Debi is a member of ILCA's education committee and is a past member of the editorial review board of the Journal of Human Lactation.
Debi lives with her husband (of 27 years), Nelson, and golden retriever, in Oklahoma City . Their daughters work in New York City and Chicago . In addition to assisting breastfeeding families, she enjoys walking, yoga, movies, reading, participating in adult education classes, exploring complementary health modalities (with special interests in labryinth walking and therapeutic touch), photography, videography, and gardening.
Certification of Breastfeeding Educators
An optional activity in the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ is to complete certification as a breastfeeding educator. Breastfeeding educators are important resources for breastfeeding families. They are uniquely positioned in the health care team so that they have multiple opportunities to promote and assist with breastfeeding. Certified Breastfeeding Educators™ are not qualified to function as lactation consultants. (See Breastfeeding Educator Program™ Materials for information about role differentiation.)
Certification as a breastfeeding educator provides an added credential, validating special knowledge and skills for employers, professional colleagues, and consumers. It communicates that the breastfeeding advocate has completed a comprehensive course and is prepared to assist breastfeeding families with normal lactation and with common breastfeeding challenges. The title "Certified Breastfeeding Educator™" is a trademarked title that can only be conferred by Lactation Consultant Services™.
The initial certification process includes:
| 1. |
Attendance and participation in the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ Attendance for three days of didactic instruction Participation in small group activities within the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ |
| 2. |
Completion of clinical role play activities Includes positioning, latch-on, functional assessment of the infant at breast, and oral discussion of the management of a selected breastfeeding challenge |
| 3. |
Successful completion of a 50 item multiple-choice certification examination Exam is based on the content of the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ (Passing score is 80%) |
Participants are awarded a certificate documenting their successful completion of the certification process and will be entitled to use the designation Certified Breastfeeding Educator™. An optional certification pin is available from Lactation Consultant Services™ for $5.00. Certification is conferred by Lactation Consultant Services™ and is in effect for five years.
This is an optional certification. Participants receive continuing education units for the conference whether or not they complete the certification process. (Participants receive 2.8 additional CEUs if they complete the certification process.)
Recertification Of Breastfeeding Educators
|
There are two options for recertification.
(See Recertification Options below) Participants must have previously completed certification as a breastfeeding educator by Lactation Consultant Services™. Recertification is in effect for five years and costs $25. | |
|
Certified Breastfeeding Educators™
are not qualified to function as lactation consultants. |
| 1. |
You may enroll in 1, 2 or 3 days of the program See Up-coming Programs for dates and locations. |
| 2. |
Continuing Education Attend at least 6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or L-CERPs addressing breastfeeding promotion and/or assistance each five years from certification/recertification. |
Only persons who were initially certified through the trademarked Breastfeeding Educator Program™ (developed and presented by Debi Bocar, RN, IBCLC) can recertify through Lactation Consultant Services™.
Certification and Recertification certificates are valid for five years.
You may receive a recertification certificate by mail. (Participants attending the three-day Breastfeeding Educator Program™ receive their certificates at the conference.)
To access a printer friendly version of the recertification form please click on:
Certified Breastfeeding Educator™ Recertification Form
| Along with the Recertification Form you will need to send: | |
| 1. | Copy of certificate(s) of attendance for 6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) related to breastfeeding promotion and/or assistance (50 minute sessions = 1 CEU.) |
| 2. |
$25.00 check payable to Lactation Consultant Services™ |
| 3. | Year & Location of participation in the Breastfeeding Educator Program™ |
|
Questions? Contact Us At: Debi Bocar, RN, PhD, IBCLC Director, Lactation Consultant Services™ 11320 Shady Glen Road Oklahoma City, OK 73162 405-722-2163 |
Up-coming Breastfeeding Educator Programs™
|
April 16, 17, & 18, 2008 (Presented by Debi Bocar, RN, PhD, IBCLC) 913-676-2300 Option 1 www.shawneemission.org
September 23, 24, & 25, 2008 (Presented by Debi Bocar, RN, PhD, IBCLC)) Women’s Services 515-263-4054 (Judy Losh) E-mail: Loshjr@ihs.org (Judy Losh)
October 27, 28, & 29, 2008 (Presented by Debi Bocar, RN, PhD, IBCLC) Bonnie Totten or Linda Koch 785-295-5498 E-mail: brc@stfrancistopeka.org November 18, 19, & 20, 2008 (Presented by Debi Bocar, RN, PhD, IBCLC) E-mail: mary_schurk@ssmhc.com
|
For additional information:
