Last updated
VA Lactation Program (VALP)
Share PrintLactation services will be offered through VA nationwide. This enhances timely services and provides a greater choice for Veterans while allowing VA to focus resources more efficiently.
Origin:
November 2016, Erie VA Medical Center, Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center (Memphis)
Adoptions:
46 successful, 17 in-progress
Awards and Recognition:
Diffusion of Excellence Promising Practice, iNET Spread Investee, VHA Shark Tank Winner
Partners:
Diffusion of Excellence, VHA Innovators Network, Women’s Health
Recent Updates
Overview
Problem
Solution
Images
Virtual Lactation Visit
Results
Images
VISN 15 Lactation program implementation training
October 2021 VA Lactation Implementation Program Training
Ashley Lauria was awarded the 2022 Federal Executive Board of Excellence in Government Awards
Ashley and Cody's Social Media Outreach
Erie's National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Week Outreach
Erie's National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Week Outreach
Erie's VA Baby Shower 2019
Erie's VA Baby Shower 2018
- Shark Tank presentation Shark Tank
- This episode discusses the benefits of lactation for the parent and baby, the lactation services that are provided by VA to Veterans who are lactating, and how VA is using telehealth technology to reach lactating Veterans across the country. How VA Supports Lactating Veterans in their Homes and in Clinic
Files
Links
Metrics
- 90% of patients have initiated lactation for an average duration of 7.5 months.
- >85% of pregnant Veterans express interest in lactation
- Cost savings $1500/Veteran
- Cost saving to the VA: Minimum of ~$250-500/Veteran
- Contact with a lactation specialist increased length of lactation
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Multimedia
Images
VISN 15 Lactation program implementation training in June of 2019
TN Valley, Lexington and Reno lactation implementation training
Implementation
Timeline
-
1 month
Implementation of initial steps provided by VALP.Identify a lactation consultant. -
1/2 Day
Complete the VA Lactation Program Implementation Training which provides a step-by-step process for implementing lactation services. -
1 Month
Initiate your program and begin serving Veterans.
Departments
- Maternity
- Education and training
- Nursing services
- Telehealth
- Patient services
- Primary care
- Women Veteran care
- Nutrition, food, and dietary
Core Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
PROCESSES |
|
TOOLS |
|
Files
- Women's Round Up article about TLP spread to VISN 15 in 2019 Women's Round Up-TLP Spread to VISN 15
- Discussion about the TeleLactation Program implementation in Memphis VA Insider-Memphis TeleLactation Program Article
- Initial steps for implementation of a lactation program. VALP Initial Steps
Links
- I Am an InnoVAtor Article I Am an InnoVAtor
- Telelactation provides prenatal and postnatal lactation support to new mothers VA Insider Innovator of the Month
Risks and mitigations
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| There are no risks associated with implementation. However, barriers include underutilization of services or lack of appropriately trained staffing. | The mitigation strategy to help combat these barriers includes funding for a lactation consultant and providing an implementation toolkit. |
| Potential Execution Risk | There is a potential for execution risk with getting leadership buy-in, funding, and approval at the local level in regards to lactation program implementation. |
About
Origin story
Original team
Cody Giovannetti, RDN, LDN, IBCLC
Registered Dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Ashley Lauria, MA, RD, LDN, IBCLC
Registered Dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Michelle Cunningham, MS, RDN, CNSC, LDN
Clinical Nutrition Manager, Memphis VA Medical Center
Nadean Sitter, MEd, BSN, RN
Women Veteran Program Manager, Erie VA Medical Center
Comment
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