VA Lactation Program (VALP)
Last updated
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, Memphis VA Medical Center
Adoptions:
36 successful, 9 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
The problem
The solution
Images
Above:
Virtual Lactation Visit
The results
Images
Above:
VISN 15 Lactation program implementation training
Above:
October 2021 VA Lactation Implementation Program Training
Above:
Ashley Lauria was awarded the 2022 Federal Executive Board of Excellence in Government Awards
Above:
Ashley and Cody's Social Media Outreach
Above:
Erie's National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Week Outreach
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Erie's National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Week Outreach
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Erie's VA Baby Shower 2019
Above:
Erie's VA Baby Shower 2018
Files
- Shark Tank presentation Shark Tank
Links
- 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
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
Above:
VISN 15 Lactation program implementation training in June of 2019
Above:
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
- Women Veteran care
- Nutrition, food, and dietary
- Education and training
- Maternity
- Nursing services
- Patient services
- Primary care
- Telehealth
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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