2006 Press Releases
Hospital hosts breastfeeding class ROME - Breast milk is the best possible food for baby, but breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy at the beginning. Being novices, both mother and child have to learn how to master this natural process. Rome Memorial Hospital is hosting a free breastfeeding class at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, in the hospital’s classroom to help mothers-to-be recognize the benefits of breastfeeding and give them the encouragement to overcome some of the obstacles. The speaker, Madora Waters, RN, is a maternity nurse who breastfed her three children. She can provide practical information to breastfeeding mothers who are returning to work. “Most of today’s new mothers do not have role models to help them and encourage them to breastfeed,” said Mrs. Waters. In the class, she will address the myths and the benefits for mother and baby. She will also discuss preparations for breastfeeding, positioning the baby, proper latching techniques, and dealing with problems. She will also provide information about pumping and storing breast milk. The free class will also feature a breastfeeding video, a display of breastfeeding products, several information sheets to help reinforce the material presented, and a list of people to turn to for support. No pre-registration is required. Refreshments will be served. — Use Buproprian SR (available by prescription given by a physician) and nicotine replacement therapies in the form of gum, inhalers, patches and nasal sprays. Palinski said that the nicotine patches offered by the New York State Smokers Quitline are effective. “Nicotine replacement patches are expensive,” said Palinski. “Although it equals the weekly cost of cigarettes, most smokers are deterred from spending the money. Many have a fear of failure and are afraid to ‘waste’ the money.” Yvonne Beckwith, a member of the hospital’s Building Services Department staff, took advantage of the Quitline’s offer for free nicotine patches. Since mid-September, Beckwith has been smoke free, after having been a two-packs-a-day smoker for over 37 years. “After some brief counseling and support from her coworkers, Yvonne was given the Quitline number,” said Palinski. “She contacted the Quitline on a Thursday and received a free, four-week supply of nicotine patches. With a little help from the line staff, Dr. Brooks Parker and me and her own determination, she is on her way to living smoke free,” she added. “It’s been almost exactly 10 weeks since I quit smoking,” said Beckwith. “My son, Jason, is just so proud of me for stopping and he keeps track of the number of weeks since I stopped,” she added. Beckwith credits the response from the Quitline combined with the encouragement from Palinski and others with helping her to stop smoking. “I was very impressed with the follow-up from the Quitline,” she said. “I am just so happy that I quit smoking,” she added. — Counseling in the form of short interventions for as little as 3 minutes. — Structured smoking cessation classes that boost the success rates for people trying to quit. Research shows that smokers are most successful in overcoming smoking when they have some means of support and the encouragement of family and friends, she said. “With some help and determination, people can quit smoking,” said Palinski. “Are you one of the 70% that wants to quit and has a willingness to try? If you are, then we at Rome Memorial Hospital may be able to help you,” she said. Anyone who is interested in learning more about smoking cessation can reach Palinski by calling 338-7143 or by contacting the New York State Smokers’ Quitsite at 855-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487) or www.nysmokefree.com. Other information may be obtained by visiting www.smokefree.gov | 
