Breastfeeding Elective

Director:


Welcome to the Breastfeeding IC! Over the next several weeks, you will engage in a variety of activities including self-directed learning, interaction with patients and families, and embarking on a personal project. I want this to serve your learning goals, so let me know if there are specific skills or experiences that you want. It is our hope you gain both breastfeeding knowledge and experience you will carry with you into your career and that you may become a strong breastfeeding advocate at both an institutional and community level. Below you will find objectives, expectations, and a sample schedule of the elective.

Objectives:

1. Understand the anatomy of the breast and physiology of lactogenesis.

2. Become acquainted with contraindications to breastfeeding as well as medication use.

3. Comprehend and evaluate basic breastfeeding technique including positioning and appropriate latch.

4. Recognize and address common breastfeeding challenges and provide anticipatory guidance to families while communicating effectively and providing culturally effective breastfeeding care.

5. Educate yourself and others by exploring a research-based breastfeeding topic.

Expectations:

1. Self-directed learning

  • Breastfeeding Handbook for Physicians (available to pick up from Mike Grubbs)

  • Wellstart International module

  • AAP Powerpoints - Clinical and Cultural case studies, basic breastfeeding assessment, management of common breastfeeding situations and problems.

2. Experiential

  • You will work with the OHSU lactation consultants in the MBU, the NICU, Gen Peds Clinic, and Outpatient Lactation Clinic at CWH

  • Attend a breastfeeding support group/class offered through Washington County WIC. Our contact at WIC is Jeanette Howard at Jeanette_Howard@co.washington.or.us. Prior to attending the breastfeeding class, you will need to review the HIPPA training powerpoint as well as print and sign the Confidentiality Agreement . This will need to be turned in to Jeanette prior to the class.

  • Attend the OHSU “Breastfeeding Basics” class offered to parents and their families. Classes are offered only once monthly. It is possible that a class will not be offered during your exact elective time, at which point, you will not be expected to participate.

3. Personal Project

  • You will select a topic of interest within the sphere of breastfeeding and perform an evidence-based literature search. We will have you present your work to a small group at the end of the elective.

Example of Schedule:

Below is a possible example of your schedule, but this may vary depending on the dates of the WIC breastfeeding group and OHSU “Breastfeeding Basics” class and your conti clinic.