Shakira Henderson, R.N., a South Miami Hospital nurse research specialist, has been accepted into the International Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy. This prestigious program, facilitated by the nursing honor society Sigma Theta Tau, pairs 20 nurses or nurse midwives nationwide with professional mentors for an 18-month leadership program. The goal of the Academy is to develop on-site programs that improve healthcare for mothers and children up to 5 years old.

 

Henderson’s project will include a 20-hour training course on breastfeeding presented to all South Miami Hospital maternal-child nurses. The curriculum will help nurses guide mothers through the breastfeeding process – from pregnancy to discharge. The information includes the benefits of breastfeeding, attaching and positioning of the baby, improving milk production and sustaining breastfeeding in a work environment.