UMMS – Creating a Breastfeeding Knowledgeable PICU

Infants who receive breastmilk in the NICU/PICU have less complications, decreased morbidity and mortality and shorter length of stay. Studies show that the biggest barrier for providing adequate support is lack of knowledge and skills among health care professionals. Concurrently, breastfeeding can be a source of normalcy, healing and comfort for the child, parents and healthcare professionals. There are very few studies on comprehensive breastfeeding education and practices in PICU settings.

Our patients need and deserve care based on clinical and research evidence to be able to achieve their goal for successful breastfeeding.

This educational opportunity for the entire team including physicians, advance care providers, dietitians, lactation consultants, pharmacists and others, is possible with the generous support from the UMMS Pediatric Critical Care Improvement Grant* with partnership with IABLE, the Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education, that has developed evidence-based and clinically applicable courses.

There are 3 modules in this training:

  • 1- Basics of breastfeeding support for the NICU or PICU dyad
  • 2- Case presentation of a breastfed infant with acute respiratory distress due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
  • 3- A mothers’ recount navigating the health care system through the diagnosis and treatment of her child with HLHS (hypoplastic left heart syndrome)

We hope that by improving knowledge and skill, we continue to fulfill our mission of exceptional, compassionate, informed and supportive practices for patients and families.

As pioneers in this model of care, through an associated research training, we are exploring barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding practices in the PICU.

➡ Please click here to start this training program and participate in the associated research.

 

Contact us

Please feel free to contact us if you have questions.

FAQ

This FAQ was developed to support healthcare professionals participating in the UMMS Breastfeeding Knowledgeable PICU Training Program. We recognize that questions may arise regarding CEU eligibility, course requirements, and involvement in research. The responses below are designed to provide clarity and reinforce our collective mission to promote equitable, evidence-informed lactation care in pediatric critical care settings.

This training is intended for all healthcare professionals who engage in the care of critically ill infants and families in PICU settings. This includes, but is not limited to: physicians and advanced practice providers (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs), nurses and nurse leaders, dietitians and nutrition support specialists, lactation consultants (IBCLCs, CLCs), pharmacists, respiratory therapists, social workers and care coordinators, and allied health professionals and trainees.

The course consists of three thoughtfully curated modules:

  • • A Maternal Recount: Navigating HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) Diagnosis and Care
  • • Basics of Breastfeeding Support for the NICU or PICU Dyad
  • • RSV Case Presentation

Participants are advised to complete all modules and evaluations to qualify for educational credits.

The Basics offers 2.0 CMEs and the RSV presentation offers 1.25 CMEs, for a total of 3.25 CMEs.

CEUs: According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the continuing education hours approved by the AAFP and AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ meet the requirement of formally approved continuing education hours and may be used as such for ANCC Certification renewal.
https://www.nursingworld.org/certification/faqs/

IBCLC: According to the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) Individual CERPs Guide for Recertification, Section IIIA, education that has been awarded educational credit by another board or organization may be counted as CERPs. All IABLE courses both live and enduring are awarded continuing education credits. Each CME credit could be counted as one CERP. There is no limit to the number of CMEs that can be counted as CERPs.

Once you complete a module, IABLE will issue a certificate of completion. This certificate can be submitted to your licensing boards or departmental education coordinators as needed.

No, you can complete the modules in the order of your preference.

Healthcare professionals who opt into the research component will be asked to:

  • • Review and sign a digital consent form
  • • Complete a short pre-training survey assessing knowledge and confidence
  • • Complete a post-training survey following completion

Participation is completely voluntary. However, we encourage you to participate. As a healthcare professional, your insights and experience are instrumental in shaping future healthcare policies, clinical training frameworks, and institutional standards related to breastfeeding support in pediatric critical care.

Yes. All research data will be deidentified and stored securely in accordance with IRB-approved research protocols.

You will be provided with a secure link to the course platform via your IABLE Account. Upon accessing the site, you will be asked to create a login and a passcode. If you encounter technical issues, please use the “Contact Us” form on the training homepage.

For further education and patient support from IABLE, visit:

Additional Resources

IABLE Videos
  • • Fitting pump flanges
  • • Manual expression of breastmilk
  • • Sandwich hold and asymmetric latch
  • • Paced bottle feeding (English or Spanish)
  • • Rolling out a flat nipple

*Pediatric Improvement Grant was funded by “Chip in for Children”, a 501c3 non-profit established and run by staff and families affiliated with the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the University of Maryland Medical Center to raise funds dedicated to improving the patient and family experience within the PICU.