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Kernicterus as a Never Event: A Hospital System Approach and the Role of the Childbirth Educator
by Dr. Mitch Rodriguez, Annette Backus, Carmen Watson, Rebecca Mannel, and Donna Frye
This article outlines the multi-disciplinary approach taken by Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) clinicians, as part of the Perinatal Safety Initiative, in order to make kernicterus a "never event." Physicians, nurses, lactation consultants, and administrators -- based upon recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics -- implemented a hospital-based program including five components. The strategies to manage hyperbilirubinemia and prevent kernicterus include: 1.) universal screening for hyperbilirubinemia with the value plotted on a nomogram; 2.) education for families and health care team members; 3.) lactation education for health care team members, and lactation education and support for families; 4.) equipment to assess and treat hyperbilirubinemia; and 5.) early newborn discharge follow-up.
To download and view this article (in pdf format), click here.
Initiating Breastfeeding and Special Considerations for the Infant with Hyperbilirubinemia: What the Childbirth Educator Needs to Know
by Rebecca Mannel
Lack of prenatal education continues to be one of the obstacles to successful breastfeeding. Uninformed parents with a baby who is not nursing effectively have an increased risk of hospital readmission of their baby. If a newborn is diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia, the message often inadvertently transmitted to the mother is that she caused it by breastfeeding. Prenatal education should ensure that parents know the signs of effective breastfeeding and when to call for help. The childbirth educator should be well-versed in the importance of early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, signs of adequate infant intake, and lactation support for the baby with hyperbilirubinemia.
ICEA Certification Examination-Taking: Strategies for Test Phobics
by Trudy Keller
Even non-nurse examination phobics, who test poorly, can pass ICEA certification examinations using study tactics, memory-enhancing measures, and test-taking strategies. Suggestions for the months prior, the night before, and the day of the examination can greatly augment test-taking ability.
Twelve Steps to Letting the Community Know About Your Independent Childbirth Classes
by Karen E. Wallace
Supporting and Educating the Family Experiencing Bedrest During Pregnancy
by Lisa Johns
Each year in the United States, thousands of women are put on bedrest as a result of complications in their pregnancies. Multiple gestations, unexplained bleeding, placenta previa, incompetent cervix, and preterm labor are all indications for bedrest. This article explores the different variations of bedrest prescribed, developing a curriculum for bedrest clients, and how to give them the support they need through this very difficult time.
In my opinion: The Doula Detachment
by Lori R. Holland
Having been a doula for almost ten years now, I am suspect that some women may suffer an almost "posttraumatic syndrome" just after delivery. It is my goal in sharing these experiences where it has felt almost as if a "doula divorce" was taking place, in hopes of encouraging doulas to be acutely sensitive in each postpartum situation.
Why Is Love So Important in Childbirth Education?
by Viola Pomomeno
A couple is in love, makes love, and becomes pregnant. They attend childbirth education classes to be informed and to prepare themselves for birthing and parenting. So, what is the nature of the relationship between the transition to parenthood, the conjugal relationship, childbirth education, and love? This article explores this question by considering each aspect. At the end, suggestions are offered to childbirth educators on how to expand their programs, on a love workshop, and on how to use the interpersonal perceptual approach.
Certification Update
Nutrition News
by Davorka Monti
Can Breastfeeding Strengthen Your Bones?
Family Focus
by Susan S. Bartell
Peer Pressure, Parent Pressure: The Unspoken Expectations of First-Time Mothers
Becoming a mother for the first time offers mothers the opportunity to affiliate with a new peer group of other mothers; however, along with this association comes an unexpected and profound peer pressure. This article examines the psychological and emotional impact that the peer pressure of first-time motherhood can have on a woman.
Educator's Corner
by Cheryl Coleman
Perinatal Loss
Research Review
by Dale King
Iron Deficiency
Audio Visual Review
by Margery Simchak
Postpartum: From Pregnant to Parent |
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