Meet Lois:
~
How and why did you decide to become an IBCLC?
I became an IBCLC
because I am passionate about the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for
nurses to have the knowledge to make a difference.
~ Do you do anything else besides IBCLC?
I am a nursing
professor at SDSU, teaching Maternal-Newborn Nursing, and I have a direct role
in teaching between 160-200 college students every year. I know that many
students have had very minimal exposure to breastfeeding prior to taking this
course, and that most of them have never heard of any of the benefits to moms
and babies that come from breastfeeding. Every single nursing student who
graduates from the program in Brookings takes the course I teach, and is
exposed to evidence-based breastfeeding information. Because of what
these students learn about breastfeeding, there is a huge ripple effect for
their families, friends and future patients.
~ How long
have you been an IBCLC?
I have been
certified since 1997.
~ What is the
one thing you would like to tell all new/almost-new mothers about
breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is one
of the most important things you will do for your baby---and no one else can do
it for you. Yes, it takes time and effort, but so does everything else
that is really important. IBCLC’s love to share breastfeeding tips with
women, so please call one of us if you have questions or need some assistance.
~ Where do
you work as an IBCLC? How do new mothers contact you if they need help?
I live in Brookings,
and can be reached at 605-695-5321.
~Lois Tschetter, RN,
EdD, IBCLC
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~ How and why did you decide to become am
IBCLC?
I have been
a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) since 2001. Initially, I received my
certification in order to help the breastfeeding moms I worked with on the
labor and delivery and postpartum units in the hospital setting. After becoming
a CLC, I also taught breastfeeding classes and mom & baby classes where I
answered numerous questions related to breastfeeding. I took the IBCLC
certification exam in 2011. I decided to become an IBCLC because it is the
highest certification available in the lactation field and I wanted to be more
knowledgeable and better prepared to assist new moms with breastfeeding issues.
Helping women achieve their breastfeeding goals is my passion. I gained
invaluable knowledge while studying and going to breastfeeding conferences in
order to qualify for the IBCLC exam.
~ Do you do anything else besides IBCLC?
In addition
to being an IBCLC, I am a Registered Nurse (RN), Lamaze Certified Childbirth
Educator (LCCE) and Certified Happiest Baby Educator (CHBE). I have been offering
private lactation consulting, childbirth classes and Happiest Baby on the Block
classes since December, 2010. My clients really appreciate having a
professional come into their home and offer these services. So, I typically see
clients for childbirth and breastfeeding classes while they are pregnant and
then see them again after their baby is born to teach them the Happiest Baby
techniques and provide Lactation Consulting. I am definitely available for
lactation consulting even if clients did not take childbirth classes from me.
~What is the one thing you would like to
tell new/almost-new mothers about breastfeeding?
One thing I
would encourage new moms to do is to have good breastfeeding support in place
before their baby is born. Breastfeeding can be tough in those first few weeks
and it is easy to give up if you don’t have good support. They should have
someone they can call to offer evidence-based advice and support and also
family support from a husband/partner, mother, sister or trusted friend.
Breastfeeding gets so much easier after the first couple weeks!
~Where do you work as an IBCLC? How do new
mothers contact you if they need help?
My business
is called South Dakota Babies, Inc. New moms can check out www.southdakotababies.com or South
Dakota Babies’ Facebook page where they can find all my contact information. I
am available via phone, text or email.
~ Alicia
Fonder RN, IBCLC, LCCE, CHBE
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