Veterans' Healthy Living, Fall 2015
Veterans Lactation Program Now Available
Judy Kuzdeba, RN, VISN 1 Maternity Care Coordinator, has worked for the past year to help our network facilities assist Veterans who plan to breastfeed their newborns. This included coordinating the lactation program and developing a standardized list of lactation products. Her hard work paid off, and now a lactation package is available.
According to Judy, Veterans love it! “It is a huge hit with our pregnant Veterans. Many have called or emailed expressing their surprise that the lactation package is so nice,” she said. “Their response is often that they feel special, blessed, or honored to receive such a wonderful package. We overcame some obstacles and challenges putting the program together for all VA sites in VISN 1, but it was so worth it when I hear Veterans describe it as marvelous, fabulous, awesome, or fantastic!”
"I received the lactation package, and it is great! Thank you so much for coordinating such an awesome benefit!"
No action is required by Veterans to receive the package. A Maternity Care Coordinator will start the ball rolling. Within 48 hours, someone from Ryan Resources— the company providing the package—will call the Veteran to obtain size information for the maternity support belt and nursing bras that are part of the package.
"After Ryan Resources told me what is included in the package, my jaw nearly hit the floor. I will definitely let you know when I receive it and what I think! I'm very excited.”
The kit, which Ryan Resources ships directly to the Veteran, includes a breast pump and instructional video, nursing pads, and lanolin cream. Additionally, the company offers the services of a lactation consultant to help with any breastfeeding issues or concerns. The lactation packages are one of many approved maternity services available through VA Medical Centers in the network, which range from initial comprehensive prenatal assessment to in-hospital delivery and newborn care.
"I spoke with Ryan Services last night, and they sent me an email confirmation of the lactation package. Thank you so much for all of your support and hard work! It's a blessing!"
Part of the Office of Rural Health grant is funding the VISN 1 Maternity Care Coordination program, which was highlighted in last year’s VISN 1 research report. According to the report, the number of women Veterans using VA maternity care has increased by about 40 percent.
