Rushael Caddy, R.N., realized on the first day of nursing orientation at Broward General Medical Center (BGMC) that she wanted to work as a lactation consultant. Also in orientation that day was Debbie Lichtman, RN, BSN, IBCLC, who had recently accepted a position in BGMCs Lactation Center.
“From the first day I met her, before she ever worked as a nurse, Rushael asked me how she could become a lactation consultant,” recalled Lichtman. “I told her to first learn what is normal in babies and to become proficient as a mother-baby nurse. Rushael was very enthused about working in the mother-baby (M/B) unit and being a lactation consultant.”
While Caddy was gaining experience in the M/B unit and developing a rapport with co-workers and patients, the Lactation Center at BGMC was expanding its program. Alanna Yormark, nurse manager of the Lactation Center and Tower Maternity, was looking for RNs with IBCLC certification to help expand services. However, in an era of nursing shortages, she was having difficulty filling the positions. Eventually she decided to educate and cultivate the existing talent on her unit.
“Its an advantage to grow your own lactation consultants because they already have a rapport with the staff and are recognized and trusted by physicians,” said Yormark.
Caddy had a thirst for knowledge in asking questions, reading textbooks and looking for educational opportunities in working as a lactation consultant. Yormark also noticed that patients identified with Caddy, since shes a young mother herself, and that she loved to educate, which is an important component of working as a lactation consultant.
Gaining IBLCE certification as a lactation consultant requires coursework, hours of qualifying experience working with breastfeeding mothers and babies, and passing a rigorous exam. Yormark assisted Caddy in finding and attending courses that provided training in lactation and qualified her to sit for the IBLCE exam. Yormark also assigned Caddy to work for six weeks in the Lactation Center where she did rounds with the lactation consultants and observed the mothers and babies in the NICU unit. She assessed and educated the patients under supervision of a certified lactation consultant, and assisted in answering their questions. Caddy was also given the opportunity to observe Lichtman teaching one of the antenatal breastfeeding classes at BGMC.
“It was a lot of work coming back after having a baby,” Caddy admitted, “but training for this certification has really increased my ability to help parents and babies. I easily identify with them since I am a breastfeeding mother myself who can help others learn and appreciate the important health aspects of breastfeeding.”
In July of 2007, Rushael Caddy sat for the IBLCE exam. That November she received a passing score and was welcomed as a member of Broward Generals Lactation Center staff.
“I truly have my dream job today thanks to my mentors at Broward General,” said Caddy.
Rushael Caddy, R.N., realized on the first day of nursing orientation at Broward General Medical Center (BGMC) that she wanted to work as a lactation consultant. Also in orientation that day was Debbie Lichtman, RN, BSN, IBCLC, who had recently accepted a position in BGMCs Lactation Center. 
