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Lactation clinic offers competence, care by Heather Woolwine Public Relations Go to any grocery store, elevator, doctor’s office, café, or shopping mall and women are talking about it. Some never encountered a problem breast-feeding their children; others have nightmare stories that set pregnant women on edge. Rumors and stories may abound, but one thing is certain for Lowcountry mothers looking for breast-feeding facts: The MUSC Lactation Clinic located in Rutledge Tower has the right blend of competence and advanced practice nursing lactation care to put restless minds at ease and babies to the breast.   The first breast-feeding clinic in the state to accept insurance including Medicaid, it is the first breast-feeding clinic to boast a lactation consultant staff entirely comprised of nurse midwives and pediatric nurse practitioners. The MUSC Lactation Clinic offers services ranging from treatment of breast infections to helping moms with a low milk supply. Staff members include MUSC lactation consultants Jeanne Barreira, certified nurse midwife; Barbara Haase, certified pediatric nurse practitioner; Pamela Murphy, certified nurse midwife; and Jean Rhodes, Ph.D., certified nurse midwife and MUSC Lactation Consultation Service and lactation clinic manager. All have prescriptive authority to treat patients, meaning they can treat medical problems associated with breast-feeding normally referred to physicians.   “Many women with healthy babies get some instruction about breast-feeding during the first 24-72 hours of the child’s life while they are in the hospital. The real issues, questions and problems usually begin to surface after the mother goes home,” Rhodes said. “A lot of women stop breast-feeding within the first few weeks, because they have problems getting expert help when questions or problems come up. This clinic will help those women who are experiencing problems by providing breast-feeding experts who can help with a wide range of issues. We are a great resource for breast-feeding problems and questions because we have the most current and accurate information, and we use an evidence-based approach to promote breast-feeding.”   Opened in December, the clinic is open to patients on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. The clinic also has breast-feeding supplies and equipment, as well as a breast pump rental program for new moms. Mothers do not need a physician referral to be seen at the clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 876-0044.   “We spend a lot of time with our patients to make sure we have covered all of their questions and concerns,” Rhodes said. “We often recommend follow-up appointments to make sure our patients are completely comfortable and are meeting their breast-feeding goals.”   Lactation consultants can respond to and treat multiple common breast-feeding issues, including low milk supply, sore nipples, infections, latch problems and the special feeding needs of preterm babies.   “Preterm babies can present a challenge for mothers who want to breast-feed, because, during their hospitalization, they often feed from a bottle first,” Rhodes said. “If a mother’s goal is to breast-feed, we do our best to help her transition her preterm baby to the breast from the bottle. This process may take time, but it is possible.”   In addition to a commitment to excellent patient care, Rhodes and her colleagues conduct ongoing clinical research to develop new and improved techniques to help with breast-feeding issues.   One such study includes having mothers weigh their babies before and after feedings so mothers can know how much their infants get from the breast. For infants receiving supplementation, test weights insure a baby is not being over or underfed, but rather receiving an appropriate feeding that starts at the breast. This summer, Barreira and Hasse will present a research project completed at MUSC concerning infant test weighing at the International Lactation Consultant Association’s annual conference.   “We look at techniques and treatments as ways to enhance a breast-feeding relationship. We follow the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocols, and work very hard to provide our patients with current education and the necessary support,” Rhodes said. “In the past, the La Leche League [an international organization of breast-feeding women] has been a helpful resource for community mothers who have breastfeeding problems or questions. While overall community support is important for breast-feeding moms, and I encourage new mothers to attend a La Leche League meeting, this clinic provides a professional resource for breastfeeding women.”   South Carolina has one of the lowest breast-feeding rates in the country, according to the South Carolina Breast Feeding Coalition. New mothers need support, education and sometimes professional care to have a successful breast-feeding experience. The MUSC Lactation Clinic is here to help South Carolina mothers meet their breast-feeding goals. New breast-pump room for MUSC employees available A new breast pump room located on the first floor of the main hospital demonstrates MUSC’s support for breast-feeding employees.   Down the hall from the first floor entrance to the 2West amphitheater near the back door, the pump room provides a secure and comfortable space for employees to pump milk for their infants while at work.   A Medela Symphony pump was installed in the pump room for employee use. Employees are encouraged to talk with their managers about using the room before returning to work from maternity leave. Those who desire to use the room are required to sign an agreement to obtain card access. Breast pump kits are required to use the pump and can be obtained from one of the MUSC lactation consultants. Employees may also bring their own pumps for use if they prefer.     Friday, April 20, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.