FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2006
LRGHealthcare Promotes Breastfeeding
Staff Receive Training to Help Assist New Mothers
LACONIA and FRANKLIN, NH: We all know that breast milk provides the best nutrition for new babies, but did you know that it has other benefits as well? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding is not only the best nutritional option, but it also increases immunity to a range of childhood illnesses and diseases; reduces allergies; decreases incidence of Type 2 diabetes; decreases likelihood of childhood or adult obesity; and even improves cognitive development. It also benefits the mother’s health, including helping her return to her pre-pregnancy weight, and reducing her risk of developing some cancers later in life.
But breastfeeding can be challenging for some women, and it is not uncommon for a new mother to need a little help establishing a successful breastfeeding experience. That’s where trained and experienced doctors, nurses, and lactation consultants come in.
35 local healthcare professionals who care for pregnant women and newborns recently completed a course entitled, “Breastfeeding: A continuing Education Program for Healthcare Providers.” The program, offered by Rising Star Education, Inc., is designed for nurses, physicians, dietitians, lactation consultants, and others who assist mothers in establishing successful breastfeeding. It was coordinated by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants Betty Quinlan, RN, Lynne Colbath, RN, and Dr. Kristen Prescott, who is a pediatrician at Westside Healthcare in Franklin; and Certified Lactation Consultant Karen Meader, RNC at the Family Birthplace at Lakes Region General Hospital.
In addition to those who coordinated the event, other participants included: Dr. Caitlin O’Donnell from HealthFirst; Westside Healthcare staff members Catherine Holub-Smith, ARNP, and registered nurses Amanda Drake, Amanda Cook, Joyce Kelly, Barbie Lemire, and Kelly Nute; Laconia Clinic registered nurses Cherly O’Hara and Angela VanDine; Lakes Region OB/GYN nurse Merilyn Lien; and Community Health & Hospice registered nurses Joyce Porter, and AnneMarie Mercuri.
Family Birthplace registered nurses participating included Linda Dow, Cynthia Lemien, Lauren Murphy, Vikki Spencer, Susan Walker, Katherine Krupnik, Kim Niskala, Kim Goff, Maureen Zackowski, Fran Cerami, Nicole Carter, Teresa McCormack, Pam Washburn, Sylvie Ferre, Rosemary Cote, Jen Miller, Jaime Hunt, Brenda Ryder, Marsha Bauser, Barbara Schwarting, and Ellen Stickney.
LRGHealthcare, recipient of the New Hampshire Business of the Decade in Healthcare Award, represents Franklin Regional Hospital, Lakes Region General Hospital, Affiliated Medical Providers, HealthLink, Community Wellness Centers, the Dental Resource Center, the Holistic Health Center, and other community-based services. LRGHealthcare is committed to making health care available, accessible, and affordable to you.