The Lactation Consultant world is mourning the loss of one of the early IBCLCs. Sadly, Sandra Resnick, RN, BSN, IBCLC, lost her battle with cancer October 23, 2016. She was in home hospice care at her home in Rockville, Maryland, with her husband, Chuck, her sister, Marcia Millman, her 3 children, and 8 grandchildren always close by.
Sandy was certified 25 years ago and has been a mentor to many IBCLCs. She, along with her coworker Jeannine Ladd, became IBCLCs before there was even a lactation position at their hospital, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, in Rockville, Maryland. They coordinated the Parent Education Program of the Health and Wellness Department there for many years. Along the way they started the B.E.S.T. (Breastfeeding, Education, Support and Togetherness) program, a weekly breastfeeding support group for mothers who have gone home from the hospital. The group has now been in existence for 20 years. Sandy continued to run B.E.S.T. with Jeannine between her treatments until late July when she was too ill to continue. As having outpatient community lactation support was part of the Baby Friendly survey, this program (in existence about 15 years at the time of the survey) was a necessary component to allow Shady Grove Adventist Hospital to be the first hospital in Maryland to achieve Baby Friendly designation.
A Memorial Fund has been established at USLCA in Sandy’s name. Any donations will go to provide assistance to needy IBCLCs trying to maintain their professional organization membership. What a fitting way to remember her legacy and generosity.
