Breastfeeding councelling courses

Specialties NICU

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Hi,

I'm a third year nursing student and I would like to specialise as a NICU nurse after graduation. I have done 5 weeks practice in France and will have a further 12 weeks this summer. (can't wait!)

I was wondering if you think that breastfeeding councelling courses or study units from let's say La Leche League are valuable for when you try to get your first job in a NICU.

What do you reckon? Worth it or a waste of time/money?

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Very helpful! I say go for it. Breastfeeding in the NICU can be more challenging for the mom's and their babies. They need alot more support and encouragement. The more knowledge you have the better!! That is one area I am weak on. I never really got a lot of education on breastfeeding. I will add though if this class is very expensive then we may want to think twice, because you can always purchase a good breastfeeding book or learn from a lactation specialist if there is one in the hospital you plan to work at.

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Well I'm very interested on it. I have numerous book on the subject and was part of a mom-to-mom breastfeeding support group. My twins were born at 33 weeks and I breastfed them for 6 months. So I was helping mums of preemies and twins/triplets. I was just wondering how could I make my experience valuable, with a certificate or something. But they are so expensive... I'm graduating in a year, I'm wondering if I should wait to be a RN or start it now. I'm currently doing my bachelor's thesis (on the role of the nurse in facilitating fathers' attachment to their preterm baby in NICU settings) and I guess it's going to take some time. But I just love neonatal nursing so much! I'm so glad I've found this fascinating area of our profession. :)

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