Educating our Future: The Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative and project related training

Background/Purpose: While there is a great need for breastfeeding support across the nation and internationally, there are few if any residential training courses for complete preparation to sit the exam to become a Registered Lactation Consultant. Further, there are a limited number of targeted courses for nurses and doctors to address the Ten Steps in the Hospital setting. Even more scarce are courses for child care centers on breastfeeding support. In addition, there is a great need for sensitization for work place accommodation. Methods: The pioneering and other programs developed in North Carolina are reviewed and presented. Findings: The Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative (MRTTI) is unique in the US in that it provides complete training for Lactation Consultants as part of a Public Health Masters program. Discussion/Conclusions: Since breastfeeding is a behavioral issue with many social, economic and personal interfaces, there is a need for many different approaches to its support. The MRTTI is a unique effort, and to ensure that there is sufficient support across all sectors, complementary education much continue for practicing health care providers, child care providers, businesses and others.