Registered nurses working in The Family Birthplace at Stephens Memorial Hospital recently became certified breast-feeding counselors. Shown are, from left, Shannon Staples, Alison Newton, Jeanne Rosato, Kelly Hatch, Karen Thurston, Jane Summer, Diane Talon, Linda Bernaby, Kim Gadway and Carol Welsh. Absent was Nisa Noble.

SMH Birthplace RNs certified

NORWAY – All registered nurses who work permanently in The Family Birthplace at Stephens Memorial Hospital have become certified breastfeeding counselors.

The staff participated in a two-day certification course in April, hosted at the hospital by registered nurse Shannon Nassa, the new lactation consultant at Birthplace. Nassa is a board certified lactation consultant, and is experienced in all areas of maternal child and perinatal education.

The program covered pertinent topics such as the role of the health care professional, anatomy and physiology of the breast, identifying and evaluating normal, deviations and problems, and empowering women and their infants with breastfeeding classes and hospital support.

The certification is valid for three years, during which applicants must obtain 18 contact hours of continuing education credit in maternal child health with at least six continuing education hours relating specifically to lactation in order to receive recertification.