Trenton RN now certified lactation consultant

Shirley Spaeth of Trenton, a registered nurse in the Women and Infants Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, was recently certified as a lactation consultant by the International Board of Lactation Consultants.

“We’re very pleased Shirley has achieved this goal and the Women and Infants Center can offer this high level of breastfeeding support to our new moms and moms-to-be,” said Helen Essenpreis, WIC director.

“Achieving IBLC status is no easy step,” Essenpreis said. “Certification requires specialty education and 4,000 hours of experience working with breastfeeding mothers before taking and successfully passing a university level exam.”

Spaeth has worked at St. Joseph’s in Breese since 1972 and in WIC since 1974. She was a certified lactation counselor for 15 years before taking the consultant’s exam.

With this certification, Spaeth provides breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who have decided to breastfeed or who have questions or problems, Essenpreis said. She is also available to assist other WIC staff with questions.

“All the WIC nursing staff have received specialty training to support the breastfeeding family,” Essenpreis said. “Shirley reinforces the teaching and is available to help with problems or questions.”

Also on the WIC staff are four Lactation Counselors: Kathy Endres of Germantown and Janice Gebke, Tiffany Meyer and Brenda Lappe of Breese. All are registered nurses; someone is available each day.

Additionally available are a monthly breastfeeding support group and prenatal class, breastfeeding support as part of the inpatient stay, outpatient services, telephone support on returning home and a post-partum home visit for all first-time breastfeeding mothers.

For more information, contact 526-5423 or e-mail Helen Essenpreis.