New depot brings donated breast milk to babies in need Posted on October 30, 2017October 30, 2017 by Dakota PikeHere’s what our media partner News Channel 13, and Health Reporter Benita Zahn, has to say about Littauer’s new status as an NYS Milk Bank Milk Depot:Full story here: http://wnyt.com/health/new-breast-milk-depot-nathan-littauer-hospital-gloversville-fulton-county/4650060/ October 27, 2017 06:17 PM GLOVERSVILLE – The importance of breast milk for babies is well documented, but not every mom can breastfeed. That’s where the New York Breast Milk Bank comes in. Now, there’s a new depot for women who want to donate and for those in need.It’s a great concept. Some women produce more breast milk than they’ll ever need — so they donate it.New York is among 23 states with breast milk banks, most of them, like New York’s, is not for profit.The newest place to donate and get breast milk opened Friday at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville. The opening was anything but traditional.“Well, I was kind of an overproducer,” explained Amanda Fosman.She produces much more breast milk than her 9-month-old baby girl, Aria, can ever use.“So I kept saving it and freezing it,” she noted.Now, she donates it, some 3,000 ounces so far, providing a robust start for The Breast Milk Depot at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville.The Breast Milk Depot at Nathan Littauer is the third in the Capital Region, but the first to be inaugurated in such style.The Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club of New York joined in for a ceremonial delivery. They’ve been serving as milk riders over the past year.“When we transport, it’s usually a 12 by 12 cardboard box full of milk,” pointed out Jen Baquial, the president of The Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club of NY.The concept is simple. Women like Fosman register with the New York Milk Bank. Once screened and approved, they bring their milk to a depot, like Nathan Littauer. Then, it’s transported to the Milk Bank headquarters in Hastings on Hudson to be pasteurized and distributed to moms and babies in need.“The New York Milk Bank has done extremely well in the year that we have been open,” explained Roseanne Motti, with the New York Milk Bank. “We are storing right now over 70,000 ounces of milk from generous donors.”WEB EXTRA: Roseanne Notti, New York Milk Bank managerIt costs between $4 and $4.50 for an ounce of breast milk. Insurance only covers babies meeting specific health needs, covered by a managed Medicaid plan – so there’s an effort to gain wider insurance coverage.A doctor’s prescription is needed to access the service once a baby is home.Licensed by the New York State Health Department, the New York Milk Bank is affiliated with and follows the regulations of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.“We are lifting babies into a better life, because while breastfeeding may not be the right choice for every parent, it is the best choice for every baby,” noted Cheryl McGrattan, the vice president of marketing and communications at Nathan Littauer Hospital.The celebration on Friday included milkshakes. CreditsBenita ZahnUpdated: October 27, 2017 06:17 PM Created: October 27, 2017 06:11 PMCopyright 2017 – WNYT-TV, LLC A Hubbard Broadcasting Company
NLH is now a depot for the NYS Milk Bank Posted on October 30, 2017 by Dakota PikeLittauer Radiologic Technologist, Amanda Fosman with infant daughter Aria, donates excess breastmilk to Littauer’s Milk DepotGLOVERSVILLE, NEW YORK (October 23, 2017) – Nathan Littauer Hospital would like to announce a new partnership with the New York State Milk Bank. According to Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC, OSC, the Littauer’s Birthing Center lactation consultant, The Birthing Center at Littauer is now one of the newest, licensed milk depots in the state.“NLH has always supported breast feeding, in a myriad of ways and now we are very excited about this leap forward,” said Quinlan. “We are now a milk depot for the NYS Milk Bank. This new chapter will improve awareness while bringing in new donor mothers for much-needed donor milk.”“When a woman donates their breast milk to help another baby, the gesture is beyond generous. It strikes at the core of what our community needs most: helping babies get the best start in life,” added Littauer VP of Marketing and Communication, Cheryl McGrattan. “Nathan Littauer is making that process easier as we can now collect store and ship donor milk to the NYS Milk Bank where it will be processed and distributed where it is most-needed.”Donors will go through a required screening process. Once approved, mothers can freeze the extra milk their babies don’t need and bring it to the Littauer depot, located in The Birthing Center at the hospital.Frozen milk soon arrives at the NYS Milk Bank, where it is logged in with a sophisticated tracking system. It is then thawed, analyzed, packaged in tamper-resistant bottles, pasteurized and tested for bacteria. Next, donor milk is dispensed by physician prescription to hospitals and NICUs. Some are also dispensed by physician prescription to medically needy babies at home.Interestingly, one method of delivery is made by the biker group Sirens, also known as the Milk Riders. They deliver much needed breastmilk throughout the New Your City. This group of dedicated riders will be present at Nathan Littauer Hospital for the inaugural delivery. Generally, Littauer will use another method of transport to deliver breastmilk to the NYS Milk Bank.Littauer’s partnership with the NYS Milk Bank is not only unique, but it is also essential for mothers who would like to donate excess breastmilk. This milk is important to save the lives and improve the health outcomes of vulnerably ill or premature babies.“We have gotten reports that our donated breastmilk has helped hurricane impacted babies in the U.S.” added McGrattan.For more information on the Littauer Milk Bank Depot, or to learn more about becoming a donor, please contact Nancy Quinlan at (518) 775-4101 or email nquinlan@nlh.org
Littauer celebrates World Breastfeeding Week with an event on Aug. 2 Posted on July 26, 2017 by Dakota PikeThe Birthing Center at Nathan Littauer Hospital, together with Lactation Consultant Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, (Aug. 1 through 7), with a special event for families. On Aug. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., Littauer will host a special evening for lactation supporters, new or expectant moms with their families. The event will be held at the Littauer Surgical Center, located in the hospital at 99 E. State St., in Gloversville. Refreshments will be served and mothers are welcome to share their stories and socialize.“This is Littauer’s way of reaching out to the community to celebrate the wellness breastfeeding offers new babies and mothers,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer VP of Marketing and Communication.The theme for 2017 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) has been announced: Sustaining Breastfeeding Together. ILCA is partnering with organizations to promote the role that breastfeeding plays in valuing our wellbeing. The Birthing Center at Littauer supports Sustaining Breastfeeding Together.For further information about the event, or to schedule a consultation, call Nancy Quinlan at (518) 775-4101.Littauer Lactation Consultant Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC serving cake at last year’s World Breastfeeding Week Celebration at NLH
Littauer announces new clinical dietitian Emily D. Lalonde Posted on July 19, 2017 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer is pleased to announce the arrival of Emily D. Lalonde, a clinical dietitian to the nutrition team. Since June, Emily has been assessing patients and will participate in future health-related events throughout the surrounding community.“Having an in-house dietitian like Emily is part of Littauer’s commitment to health and wellness. Her passion is a good match to our services particularly as she assists seniors with their nutritional needs,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Littauer.Littauer Clinical Dietitian Emily D. LalondeErika Winney, the Clinical Nutrition Manager states, “Emily could have chosen to practice anywhere, and I am so thrilled she chose Nathan Littauer. People will notice Emily’s energy and passion-particularly as she works with our senior community.”As a recent graduate from the State University of Oneonta, Emily earned a Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics, and a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics. Impressively, she maintained a 3.96 grade point average while attending SUNY Oneonta.Emily says, “Choosing Nathan Littauer as my first placement as a newly registered dietitian was one of the best decisions I could have made. You can truly tell that this facility is its own community and that each staff member cares for not only the patients, but also each other. Having a hospital, nursing home, and growing outpatient program all under one roof makes for a great place to grow as a nutrition professional.”Prior to graduation, Emily served as an intern at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where she completed a 19-week clinical rotation. She also published two articles focusing on low birth weight in infants.Emily rounded out her education volunteering for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Boiler Maker Expo. She also has studied abroad in Columbia.Emily now resides in Amsterdam, New York.
General Surgeon, Robert Wasiczko, MD, is back practicing at Littauer Posted on July 19, 2017 by Dakota PikeGeneral Surgeon, Robert Wasiczko, MD, is back practicing at Littauer“I have always been intrigued to fix things”NLH General Surgeon; Dr. Robert WasiczkoNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is pleased to announce General Surgeon; Dr. Robert Wasiczko is back practicing at Littauer. Dr. Wasiczko had previously established his practice in Fulton County and his return has been warmly received by the medical staff and the community at large.“I have always been intrigued to fix things,” Dr. Wasiczko recently said. “As a surgeon, I have a hands-on opportunity to fix problems with my patients. It’s very rewarding to help others like this.”Dr. Wasiczko received his medical education through Albany Medical College, completed his residency at Albany Medical Center Hospital, and is certified by the American Board of Surgery.“I am thrilled to utter the words, ‘Dr. Bob is back,”” said Littauer VP of Communications and Marketing, Cheryl McGrattan. “His clinical expertise is valuable to our community.”When Dr. Wasiczko is given the opportunity, he can found running, biking, x-c or downhill skiing and exercising in our region.To make a surgical appointment with Dr. Wasiczko, please call Littauer General Surgery at (518) 773-5687.
