The Birthplace™ at Susquehanna Health employs four International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. (www.iblce.org) under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies. IBCLCs work in a wide variety of health care settings, including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics and private practice. Audrey Gabriel, BSN, RN, IBCLC and Lisa McCloskey, BSN, RN, IBCLC, CCE have over 33 years of lactation consulting experience combined and are joined by Maryanne Eismann and Sandy Mertz, both certified lactation consultants.

Audrey S. Gabriel RN, BSN, IBCLC	Lisa McCloskey RN, BSN, IBCLC	Maryanne Eismann RN, BSN, IBCLC	Sandy Mertz RN, IBCLC
Natalie McCullen RNC, CBC	Sheila Stabley RNC, CBC	Tammy Richie RN, CBC	Tara Koser RN, BSN, CBC
Jeannine Sheddy RN, CBC
IBCLC – International Board Certified Lactation Consultant RNC – registered nurse clinician CBC – Certified Breastfeeding Counselor

Additionally, the hospital has five lactation counselors, Tara Koser, Natalie McCullen, Tammy Ritchey, Jeanine Sheddy, and Sheila Stabley. The counselors, together with the lactation consultants, provide an invaluable service to breastfeeding families. Lactation counselors attend a course of study specific to lactation from the Childbirth Education Organization. Upon successful completion of the 16 contact hours, the participants are considered Certified Breastfeeding Counselors and may use the initials CBC after their name. Some of the services provided by The Birthplace's lactation team include:

• Routine inpatient visits.
• Outpatient telephone calls.
• Outpatient consultations as needed.

Some of the routine education provided includes:

• Assessment of proper breastfeeding techniques.
• Use, availability and purchase/rental of breast pumps.
• Help with the transition of the newborn from hospital to home, especially preterm and/or sick newborns.

Common problems such as sore nipples, insufficient milk supply, incorrect positioning at the breast and engorgement are dealt with on a daily basis. Lactation personnel are here to help families have a successful breastfeeding experience.