About Carol Chamblin, RN, APN, IBCLC |
ServicesLactation Services Carol's Help ColumnBreastfeeding... Products |
|
|
||
Carol Chamblin, RN, APN, IBCLC has over 35 years experience as a Registered Nurse working with mothers and infants. She is an Advanced Practice Nurse with a license to practice in the State of Illinois. She is a provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO. Currently she is in private practice and serving DuPage Medical Group, in the western suburbs of Chicago, in her specialty as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Her affiliation with the physicians of DuPage Medical Group permit higher insurance reimbursements. In addition to her work, Carol is a student in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Rush University in Chicago, IL with her project titled “Lactation Services Offered by the Advanced Practice Nurse in Pediatric Practices.” Her passion is to promote the role of the APN/IBCLC in pediatric practices across the country as a standard of care so that more mothers and infants can have access to the expertise to optimize their breastfeeding goals. In January, 2011, the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding announced that breastfeeding for a year provides many health benefits for infants including protection from several infections and illnesses such as diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma. Children who were breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese. Actually, every month that mothers breastfeed their infants, there is a 4% reduction in becoming obese, and breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Besides the health benefits of breastfeeding, there are economic benefits. When optimal breastfeeding practices are followed, the savings on infant formula for the first year of life is estimated to be about $1,200-$1,500. Furthermore, the cost savings from reduced medical costs if mothers were to breastfeed for six months is estimated to be billions of dollars for the United States. Many mothers discontinue breastfeeding before six months of age and lack exclusivity because they cannot find the lactation services to assist with breastfeeding-related problems. In the state of Illinois, the initiation rate is 70.2% with continuation rates of 36% at six months and 16.4% at 12 months. Rates of exclusivity are 27.9% and 11.2% at three months and six months respectively. Indeed, research shows that pediatricians, nurses, and other health care staff do not have the knowledge and skills needed to provide appropriate interventions for managing breastfeeding problems effectively. Common problems such as difficulties with latching technique, sore nipples, and low milk supplies can be effectively managed with lactation services provided in pediatric practice settings. Consequently, these services can address the national breastfeeding promotion targets of increasing duration rates to 60.6% at six months and 34.1% at 12 months, and exclusivity rates of 46.2% and 25.5% at three and six months, respectively. Work History
1982-1987 - Staff nurse in NICU at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL Carol became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in July 1995. She has a vast experience in providing breastfeeding assistance for common problems and concerns. Carol began her private practice in November 2000 as a rental station for Medela, Inc. She provides Medela Symphony breastpumps for rental and Pump In Style Advanced breastpumps for purchase, and other pump parts. She is certified in bra fittings and carries Medela nursing bras, including hard to find sizes. Another popular product is the Easy Expressions hands-free bra, especially beneficial for the working moms. She offers Prenatal
Breastfeeding classes at: |
![]() |
|
![]() |
||
|
||
Carol is available for presentations related to breastfeeding for community groups. Contact her via e-mail at carolibclc@sbcglobal.net or via phone at 630-513-1101. |
||