PICTURED: Nicole Schumm, RN, BSN, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC®) is pictured providing support to a new mom at Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center.
One of Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center nurses, Nicole Schumm, RN, BSN, IBCLC®, has obtained the credentials certifying her as an International Board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC®) by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE). According to the IBLCE, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants function and contribute as members of the maternal-child health team providing support to breastfeeding families. Working together with mothers, families, policymakers and the community, IBCLC® certificants provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care, promote changes that support breastfeeding and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding.
Schumm, an OB nurse since 1999 has a strong passion for supporting breastfeeding. She states:
“I want to help each mother reach her breastfeeding goals. If a mother wants to breastfeed, I will do anything I can to help her be successful.”
To become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Schumm completed 90 hours of education and 1,000 clinical hours before applying for an exam. Schumm states:
“It took about a year and a half to complete the process. I am so excited to be able to offer this service to the community.”
Schumm works with mothers in the hospital after delivery but she also follows up after birth to see how breastfeeding is going and to see if they have any questions.
“While in the hospital and over phone conversations, I make it well known that I can be reached at any time.”
Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center Manager, Linda Finke, states:
“At the Childbirth Center, it is our goal that all patients receive the support they want and need. Nearly 75% of our moms attempt breastfeeding so with a dedicated lactation consultant on our team, we are able to provide one-on-one breastfeeding support for all moms especially those who may have less than ideal experiences such as latching difficulties or pain with nursing.”
In addition to lactation support, Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center offers a wide variety of education including Childbirth Education Classes, Breastfeeding Class, Big Brother/Big Sister Class, a Mom’s Support Group, and Infant Massage. For more information about Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center, visit www.mercer-health.com.
Schumm, a graduate of the University of St. Francis and Wright State University, lives in Celina with her husband Jon and their two children.
Mercer County Outlook 