Specialized RNs Assist New Moms

[Katie McLaughlin holds her 6-month-old son Niko, whom she breastfeeds. She noted how appreciative she was for the knowledge and support she received from the Certified Lactation Consultants when he was born.]

Being a mother who breastfeeds may be a bit unnerving, and St. Lawrence Health is honored to have multiple nurses on staff who are certified in providing these moms with sound and comforting advice.

Trained and compassionate nurses

Registered nurse (RN) Cortney Arquiette with Massena Hospital’s Women’s Health Clinic, along with RNs Amanda Earl, Vicki McLain, Sarah Pederson, Kelli Richards, Lindsey Sorrento, Emily Ward, and Acacia White, all with the Birthplace at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, are Certified Lactation Consultants (CLC). The Birthplace further has eight additional RNs who have completed the training, and are waiting to take the written test to also become CLCs.

“A lactation consultant is a certified health professional who specializes in breastfeeding education,” explained Obstetrics and Birthplace Director Tracy Johnson. “They focus on helping moms and infants with concerns, such as increasing milk supply, caring for sore nipples, and assisting with different breastfeeding positions.”

Always ready to help

Moms who deliver at the Birthplace will receive information while in the Hospital from the CLCs and be provided with materials to take home. Sometimes, however, the new mom may find she has questions once she is home with her baby, and would like a follow-up with a CLC. They are invited to make an appointment at the Women’s Health Clinic and indicate they would like to see Ms. Arquiette for a consultation. The Clinic is located in the Casey Medical Office Building, 15 Hospital Drive, behind Massena Hospital.

“As a Certified Lactation Consultant, my number one priority is providing breastfeeding moms with support and education to help them become successful with breastfeeding, both physically and emotionally,” Ms. Arquiette said. “I look forward to assisting new mothers with latch, pain related to nursing, milk supply, infant bonding, and so much more.

“I found my passion to be a CLC when I became a breastfeeding mother myself, and I am beyond excited to provide these services to women in our community,” she added.

Learn more about the Women’s Health Clinic, and about the Birthplace.