CGBI: Breastfeeding Exclusive Winter 2019 - EMPower Breastfeeding Initiative

EMPower Training Initiative Update

EMPower Training Simulation – Training participants practiced skills with live models who demonstrated typical maternal behaviors postpartum through a simulation lab. Pictured here: Region B – Houston, TX

EMPower Training, the current CDC-funded initiative focuses on advancing the knowledge and skills in evidence-based maternity practices supportive of optimal infant nutrition. Hospitals receive technical assistance and training for maternity care staff skills-based competency requirements.

The EMPower hospitals teams participated in Train-the-Trainer meetings last summer and have been working diligently to train their maternity care staff in the hands-on competencies to support safe infant feeding practices.

EMPower Training Simulation – Training participants practiced skills with coaches (Gigi Lawless and Kori Flower) who demonstrated typical maternal behaviors postpartum through a simulation lab. Pictured here: Region D – Kansas City, MO

EMPower coaches are receiving positive feedback from teams regarding the training program as they successfully work toward completion of their training plans.

In January, the teams came together on hospital cohort calls that allowed them to collaborate with one another and share experienced successes and challenges.  EMPower coaches continue to provide ongoing individualized

technical assistance for the hospitals as they work through the many complexities of training staff.  Hospitals are expected to have at least 80% of staff trained by August 31, 2019.