Aim of the Course
To equip staff caring for preterm and sick babies with the skills and knowledge to support mothers to initiate and maintain lactation within the neonatal service.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course participants will be able to:
1. Describe the purpose of the Baby Friendly Initiative and its importance for improving breastfeeding rates.
2. Explain the role that breastfeeding plays in improving health with specific emphasis on the preterm and sick infant.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the key differences between human milk, donor breastmilk and artificial milk and their significance for human health.
4. Consider the impact that premature birth has on the baby, mother, father and family.
5. Describe the anatomy of the breast and the physiology of lactation and their relevance for the management of lactation.
6. Explain the importance of early and effective expression of breastmilk for the initiation and establishment of an adequate milk supply
7. Describe an effective technique for hand expression of breastmilk and enable mothers to acquire this.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of premature birth on feeding development.
9. Explain the importance of embracing developmental care approaches in the care of the preterm infant.
10. Describe the positive impact of kangaroo care on the preterm infant and his caregivers
11. Recognise effective positioning and attachment and teach mothers the skills necessary for them to achieve these for themselves.
12. Demonstrate an understanding of the information and support required to enable women to breastfeed successfully.
13. Identify the challenges faced by mothers and babies in the neonatal unit and describe ways to prevent and address these.
14. Demonstrate an understanding of the information and support required to prepare parents for discharge home.
15. Be aware of the changes in provision of care for preterm and sick babies and consider possibilities for the future including family-centred care.
