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Birthing Center at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is
studying mother's attitudes and expectations about
breastfeeding and then following up to learn how the
mothers felt about their actual experiences.
A survey was developed with the help of a UVM medical
student during the summer of 2010 to be given to all
mothers shortly after birth and then to breastfeeding
mothers at one and six months postpartum. The
survey is being utilized now and there will be results
to collate by the summer of 2011. The information
will be used by nurses, lactation consultants, and
pediatricians at the Birthing Center for quality improvement.
We would like to publish the results locally in Vermont,
and would consider submission to a publication with
a broader audience. Assistance with evaluation
of lactation literature would be appreciated.
Knowledge of statistics would be wonderful but is
not a requirement. We would invite the student
to observe the nurses, lactation consultants, and
pediatricians as they work with the mothers of nursing
babies.
Breastfeeding
has long been an important preventive health measure
and has been promoted by influential public health
agencies, including the World Health Organization,
the Center for Disease Control, and the American Academy
of Pediatrics. In Vermont, approximately 75%
of new mothers initiate breastfeeding.
At
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, we are interested in
how mothers make the choice to breast or formula feed.
We are also aware that breastfeeding is a pleasure
for some mothers but can be difficult or frustrating
for others.
Southern
Vermont AHEC can arrange for housing in the region.
A car is necessary.
Prescription
for Exercise Program with the Edgar May Health &
Recreation Center
For
the 3rd consecutive year, UVM College of Medicine
students will conduct a research project around exercise
and health benefits in cooperation with the Springfield
Health & Recreation Center and Springfield Medical
Systems (hospital and area practices).
The
Recreation Center has developed a "Prescription
for Exercise" program that works in cooperation
with area physicians who identify obese patients,
or patients who have health conditions that would
benefit from increased activity. The physicians
write "prescriptions" or referrals to the
Health Center. A personal trainer and individual
orientation is provided to the participant for six
months.
Student(s)
will examine and record health data of the participants
including blood pressure, cholesterol counts, weight,
BMI, etc. This project was started by UVM College
of Medicine students and has been continued by students
over the past three years. The goal is to show
how health & recreation centers can improve the
health of the community.
For
more information or an application, contact Susan
White at 802-885-2126 or swhite@svahec.org.
We
are also available to assist individual student projects,
per student interest. In the Springfield-Windsor-Bellows
Falls area there are several programs involving school
aged children and healthy choices, physical activity,
nutrition and obesity-prevention. If you have an interest
in this important topic, or another idea, please contact
Susan White at the above email for more information
and an application.  
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