Lactation Consultant 

Helps Breastfeeding Mothers

ROME – Judy Bobrek, RN, IBCLC, a maternity nurse at Rome Memorial Hospital, has earned board certification as a lactation consultant. Her knowledge and experience enable her to assist new mothers and babies who have breastfeeding problems.

Bobrek passed the International Board of Lactation Examiners board certification exam and is listed with the national and international registries as a registered lactation consultant. The IBCLC credential certifies attainment of the "gold standard" of competency in the lactation field.

Employed at Rome Memorial Hospital for more than three years, Bobrek graduated from the Marcy State Hospital School of Nursing in 1970.  In addition to helping new mothers in the hospital after delivery, Bobrek has implemented a weigh-in station to help give new mothers peace of mind and monitor their baby’s health.  "Many breastfeeding mothers are afraid that their newborns are not getting enough milk because they can’t measure it," she said. "At the weigh-in station, we can weigh the baby to see that he or she is gaining those precious ounces."

"We have several mothers that come back weekly until they are comfortable and breastfeeding is well established," she added. "Some mothers said they would have given up if they didn’t have the extra support. We’re able to catch problems early and help alleviate them."

The weigh-in station is located in the Maternity Department on the fourth floor. Bobrek is available 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays to weigh newborns, answer questions and offer encouragement to breastfeeding mothers. The first appointment is made when the mother is discharged.

"Most of today’s new mothers do not have role models to help them and encourage them to breastfeed," she said. Although breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come easily. Both mom and her newborn have to learn proper technique. Soon, Bobrek will also be available to discuss breastfeeding with expectant mothers at the hospital’s Prenatal Care Center at 155 W. Dominick St. once a month. "Hopefully, I can help women overcome any hesitation about breastfeeding," Bobrek said.

Bobrek will be available from 9 a.m. to noon the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Prenatal Care Center, starting Dec. 6. The benefits of breastfeeding are many. For mom there’s the convenience of not having to prepare formula or wash bottles. Breastfeeding saves the family about $1,500 in formula costs a year. Mothers who breastfeed also lose their extra "pregnancy pounds" more easily.

But, the benefits for mom pale in comparison to what her baby gains. Breast milk is naturally fortified with antibodies that protect the newborn from certain infections and special proteins that help with brain development. There’s a decreased risk of allergies and constipation with breast milk and breastfed babies have a lower incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and childhood cancers.

For more information, please call 338-7124.