Rural Health Network of Oswego County Recognizes Lactation Counselors as Healthcare Champions

OSWEGO – For many expectant mothers the thought of breastfeeding their babies is an option they would like to explore. While the benefits are many, learning to successfully begin breastfeeding can be complex. And finding answers to questions they have about breastfeeding and guidance on how to effectively do so can be challenging.

The Rural Health Network of Oswego County is working to eliminate those barriers by increasing the number of certified lactation counselors in the county.

“We realized that there was a need for certified lactation counselors in primary care and pediatric offices to support breastfeeding people in our communities,” said OCO Coordinator of Community Health Joelle Hutson. “To help meet that need we reached out to healthcare providers and offered their staff members the opportunity to receive the training necessary to become a certified lactation counselor. All costs involved in the training and certification would be covered by the Rural Health Network. The response we received was encouraging as number of healthcare professionals came forward to seek certification.”

Those seeking certification took part in a twenty-four hour training course developed by the New York State Department of Health. The course focused on how and why a mother’s body makes milk, as well as how to successfully begin breastfeeding so that the counselors are able to effectively address any concerns that an expectant mother may have regarding breastfeeding.

“Upon certification the counselors will have a fuller understanding of why breastfeeding can be so beneficial for both mom and baby, and help their patients make a more informed decision about what’s best for them,” said Hutson. “Counselors will assist those interested in breast or chest feeding their children and help their patients who are breastfeeding to be successful and do so to full capacity.”

“We are excited to be welcoming these lactation counselors to our county’s list of healthcare providers, added Hutson. “They are an important part of the support system that breastfeeding people need.  The information they provide for mothers, fathers and other family members is vital for the successful outcome of breastfeeding.”

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