Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month

08:34AM / Monday, August 12, 2024Print Story | Email Story

Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month

Tips and Resources for Nursing Families

Breastfeeding is recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and immune-boosting properties. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, continuing for as long as mutually desired, ideally up to two years or beyond.

Research indicates that breastfeeding can significantly reduce the risk of various health issues in both infants and mothers, including respiratory infections, allergies, and certain cancers in mothers.

While breastfeeding is considered the natural way to feed, it can present some challenges for moms and babies. With problems ranging from low milk supply and pain while nursing, to infants struggling to latch on and plugged milk ducts, it is easy for parents to become discouraged. With patience, guidance from experienced lactation consultants, and support from other nursing families, it is possible to overcome issues and establish a happy and successful feeding situation.

Some of the resources available to nursing families in the SVMC community include:

Breastfeeding for New Parents Classes: Developed for new parents and members of their support teams, this in-person class is led by a certified lactation consultant who shares the benefits of breastfeeding, what to expect during the first feedings, positioning options, helpful equipment, returning to work, overcoming challenges and more. Held every two months at the hospital, the class is free. Register here.

The Baby Café: A service provided by the Women's and Children's Services of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, The Baby Café is a free, drop-in, informal breastfeeding support group staffed with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and/or RNs. From questions about lactation, accessing the local milk bank, and weaning, to tips for latching on, pumping, and storing milk, the Baby Café is the perfect place for anyone seeking information related to feeding infants human milk. Plus, it provides parents and caregivers the chance to share experiences and challenges of feeding your infant.

Based out of the Bennington Community Market, the Baby Café is free and open every Wednesday from 11 to 12:30pm. No registration is required, and siblings and other children are welcome.

The Milk Bank: Families that give birth at SVMC can receive Pasteurized Human Donor Milk (PHDM) both in the hospital and once they've returned home if there is a mother- or newborn-related medical reason for PHDM. Reasons might include a mother's milk not being available due to a medical issue or a baby having difficulty with breastfeeding. PHDM is also helpful if the baby is premature, loses too much weight, or has jaundice or low blood sugars.

By raising awareness and fostering supportive environments, we can ensure that all families have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive during National Breastfeeding Month and beyond.

Bridget Bromirksi, C-PNP,IBCLC is a nurse in Women's and Children's Services Department at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

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SVMC Primary Care Offices Recognized for Patient-Centered Care

10:41AM / Thursday, December 19, 2024

BENNINGTON, Vt. — Five primary care sites of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, have achieved national recognition for providing personalized, effective, and efficient care.

The following medical practices, located in Vermont, have been re-designated as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA):

SVMC Northshire Campus
Deerfield Valley Health Center
Pownal Campus
SVMC Internal Medicine
SVMC Pediatrics

The national designation recognizes SVMC's practice sites for providing comprehensive care and follow-up, in addition to a number of preventative and wellness screenings.

"Each of SVMC's practice sites follow a stringent set of guidelines that allows our staff to meet the criteria and ensures our providers, clinical and support staff give every primary care patient the care and follow-up they need, as well as options and appropriate screenings for a multitude of concerns," said Tina Gallant, CMPE, director of SVMC's Primary Care Medical Practices. "It's also a testament to the importance of our Community Health Team members who provide our patients with nurse case management, certified diabetic education and mental health and social services."

According to NCQA, research shows that PCMHs improve quality and the patient experience, and increase staff satisfaction—while reducing health care costs. The PCMH program identifies practices that promote partnerships between individual patients and their personal clinicians. A team of doctors, nurses, and other allied health providers oversees each patient's care, ensuring health needs are coordinated across the health care system.

Practices must resubmit for consideration every year. SVMC's Twin Rivers Medical office, located in New York, falls under a different evaluation system, separate from the NCQA guidelines.

"National recognition as a Patient Centered Medical Home is an outstanding accomplishment by the staff, doctors, and advanced practice providers at our primary care practices," said Trey Dobson, MD, SVMC Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services. "As we continue to focus on primary care provider recruitment and expanding access to our rural communities, this and similar awards demonstrate SVMC's commitment to exceptional health care."

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