Denise Altman, RN, IBCLC, LCCE

about Denise Altman

Using a high energy presentation style coupled with interactive learning techniques, Denise will vitalize your conference participants, and leave them feeling recharged. Drawing from multiple modalities, her sessions meet the needs of any adult learner. Denise has been a maternal-child health nurse since 1992, a certified birth educator since 1995, and a Registered Lactation Consultant since 1998. Although she is now in private practice, during her hospital tenure she served as an active participant for Disaster Training, Hospital Ethics Committee, Competency Assessment and Training, and JCAHO Preparation and Inspection.

official bio

Denise Altman is the author of "History and Assessment: It's All In The Details", a clinical monograph for professionals. She is currently a private practice lactation consultant and nurse educator in Columbia, South Carolina. She is also a freelance writer, focusing on education materials, informative articles, essays and business documents. On a personal note, Denise is the mother of three children.

presentations

Denise Altman is pleased to provide presentations on the following topics to professional and parenting conferences. Presentations on other topics may be available upon request and subject to sufficient development lead-time. (For CERP topics, required paperwork will be provided promptly to meet CERP deadlines)

Passion to Ashes: Burning Out and Burning Up
60 - 60 minutes
CERP

Breastfeeding advocates feel strongly about their work-so much that it can take over their life. There is a difference between stress and burnout; learn how to identify overload, setting limits, scheduling down time, and especially letting go of outcomes. Practical “real life” suggestions and discussions are offered.

Shared Responsiblity Builds A Breastfeeding Community
60 - 90 minutes
CERP

As resources grow tighter for advocates and families, it is especially important to link systems of support. Using lots of group interaction, we will identify internal and external resources, depending on the point of view. For example, the hospital LC can look at prenatal programs, bedside support by nurses, and outpatient services. The doctor has office staff, LLL, and peer referrals. After potential resources are identified, further discussion centers on linking these resources for the benefit of the breastfeeding family. Emphasis is placed on organizations, specifically people, working together as one community.Note: Multiple teaching strategies used with small group work. This session in particular has a working "take home" element.

Listen To Me! Effective Communication for Delivery and Retention
60 - 75 minutes
CERP

Mothers get a large volume of information during pregnancy and postpartum; research shows that they only retain about 50%. From breastfeeding classes to telephone triage, effective communication is critical for the message to be heard. In addition, any type of teaching should be evaluated on an ongoing basis; this includes one to one discussion. Tips, tricks, and common problems are addressed.Note: Session may be extended for a working componet.

Changing Outcomes with Prenatal Education
60 - 75 minutes
CERP

"We've always done it that way." If you are saying that about your prenatal education classes, it's time to make a change. Learn how to redevelop your class or program so that it is fresh and your message is heard. Creative teaching strategies using adult learning concept can really make an impact.Note: Small group work.

The Numbers Game
60 - 60 minutes
CERP

To grow your practice or hospital program, you have to prove your successes in terms that an administrator or layperson can understand. It's all about numbers and language-and you must learn to speak fluently to the business people. Learn how to track and report rates, write professional proposals, evaluate outcomes and create a need. In addition, learn how to effectively utilize your best ally-the moms!

Critical Thinking Clues From Assessment
60 - 75 minutes
CERP

Assessment is more that just a quick look at at the feeding or the breast. To identify breastfeeding issues, assessment must a stepping stone process. Learn key elements, as well as how to apply what you see, hear, and feel using critical thinking skills.Note: May be paired with History session to create a full morning or half-day conference. May also include a clinical element with nursing dyads for a hands on segment.

Client History: The Story in the Details
60 - 75 minutes
CERP

The two most important elements of providing professional breastfeeding support are taking a complete history and performing a detailed physical assessment. Yet, a history or full feeding observation can sometimes seem too lengthy a process when understaffed or short on time, not to mention a little tedious. This fun, interactive session changes that by incorporating information gathering techniques and tips. It also includes skills for applying patient information to critical thinking process using role play and case study examples. Note: Assessment componet may be added for a half-day or full morning conference.