Lactation Consultant program receives $225K to expand

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Paula Schreck
Dr. Paula Schreck

Through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the HFC Lactation Consultant program (LCP) has been awarded a grant of $225,264 for an initiative called LCP Expand.

In partnership with Henry Ford Health, the Lactation Consultant program at HFC is an accredited certification program that launched in 2019 through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This unique program allows students to become International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants, a healthcare profession specializing in the clinical management of breastfeeding.

Dr. Paula K. Schreck leads program that exceeds the national success rate

The Lactation Consultant program is directed by Dr. Paula K. Schreck, NABBLM-C, IBCLC, FABM. An alumna of the University of Michigan Medical School, Schreck is one of three physicians in Michigan and one of fewer than 500 in the United States who are certified as Fellows by the North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine. She is also a practicing Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine and Pediatric Primary Care Physician.

“Dr. Schreck is deeply committed to her work and contributes greatly to her field of study as a scholar, physician, and humanitarian. She is passionate about teaching, and providing information and support about breastfeeding. She is driven by a belief that the highest level of lactation training should be accessible to all, regardless of race, zip code, or income. She assures that the Lactation Consultant program maintains a high level of rigor and excellence while being accessible and fair. The pass rate for Lactation Consultant program graduates on the IBCLC professional certification examination is 90%, far exceeding the U.S. average of 70-75%,” said Cyndi Scheuer, dean of the HFC School of Health and Human Services.

Schreck will also oversee LCP Expand at the College.

“Despite its innumerable benefits, breastfeeding outcomes are not what they should be in Michigan,” said Schreck. “Women with access to IBCLCs are three times more likely to succeed at breastfeeding. However, the Michigan IBCLC workforce is small, and it is not effective in addressing disparities. LCP Expand will increase the number of IBCLCs in the state while building diversity and cultural competency with an emphasis on service and employment in communities of need.”

This will reduce barriers to effective breastfeeding support for new parents. LCP Expand will also focus on population-dense regions of Michigan outside Metro Detroit. Some potential areas include Ypsilanti, Grand Rapids, Jackson, and Saginaw.

One of 11 academically accredited lactation training programs in the world

HFC’s Lactation Consultant program is unique in several ways:

  • It is one of 11 CAAHEP-accredited lactation programs in the world.
  • It is the only CAAHEP-accredited program in Michigan.
  • HFC is the only community college in the world to offer such a program.

“Through educational partnerships and student recruiting, the Lactation Consultant program is raising breastfeeding awareness and building a diverse, passionate, and focused workforce to serve in hospitals and in community-rooted clinics and health centers across Southeast Michigan. To date, we have recruited students through HFC educational pathways, maternal health conferences, and word of mouth,” explained Schreck.

As part of the new funding, LCP Expand will partner with Wrapped in Love Doula and Lactation Services to develop and provide a breastfeeding master class for doulas. Doulas are women without formal obstetric training who provide guidance and support when a woman is in labor. This partnership will make high-quality, evidence-based lactation knowledge and clinical skills an integral part of Michigan’s doula workforce. The master class will also serve as a marketing and recruiting platform for new students to enroll at HFC.

Community-based doulas play a pivotal role in addressing issues of infant and maternal mortality by providing support that bridges gaps in care and empowers expectant mothers and families to participate in their own care. Their interventions address physical and emotional health and information needs, resulting in holistic care that promotes well-being.

“Doulas are in a unique position to support breastfeeding for Michigan families,” explained Schreck. “They have the trust of the mother and the family.”

First of its kind in the Midwest

CAAHEP-accredited programs provide classroom instruction and clinical experience, which qualify graduates for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Pathway 2 certification exam. The requirements are:

  • 25 credits of required general education classes.
  • 95 hours of lactation-specific education.
  • More than 400 hours of supervised clinical time at an affiliated hospital.

The Lactation Consultant program at HFC is the first of its kind in the Midwest. Pathway 2 is designed to provide a high-value experience by providing general post-secondary education credits, lactation science credits, and mentored clinical skills training.

Now in its sixth academic cycle, the Lactation Consultant program has enrolled 58 students, with a pass rate of 100%. The student population is heavily representative of underserved populations. Nearly half are students of color.

“LCP Expand will increase the footprint of the Lactation Consultant program in Michigan by placing students outside Metro Detroit,” said Schreck. “This will improve breastfeeding outcomes, and ultimately, infant survival rates for the most under-resourced residents across the state.”

For more information about the Lactation Consultant program, call (313) 845-9877.