The funding I was awarded from Iolanthe has supported my development in all the ways I hoped it would!
I used it to buy a training package that provides extensive study material, which counts towards the requirements for becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. So far I’ve found the content interesting and valuable, and it is already impacting my practice.
The modules cover topics including physiology, constituents of breastmilk, breastfeeding complications, public health and communication. The biggest impact that it has had so far is on my confidence in my knowledge.
Having a stronger foundation and understanding means I feel that the advice I give is more evidence based and detailed.
This has also hugely improved my confidence for speaking and teaching, which has been a personal and professional development goal of mine for many years now. I have contributed to and lead staff teaching, and I am looking forward to continuing to develop this skill the more I learn.
I will be using the knowledge and skills that I have learnt throughout my career in my day to day practice including in my face to face clinical care of patients and families, in auditing data and making quality improvement plans, in teaching colleagues and students, and in the strategic planning for our infant feeding specialist team.
I am yet to complete the package, but hope that after some further study I will be able to do so, and then undertake the exam to become an IBCLC. I am grateful for the funding which has enabled me to have this learning opportunity, and I am confident that what I have learned will be of benefit to me, my colleagues and the families we care for.
