Contact: Kara Dress; 202-367-2434; marketing@lamaze.org
WASHINGTON (September 14, 2006)—Sharron Humenick, PhD, RN, FAAN, LCCE, FACCE, died Saturday after a long illness.
“Sharron’s life work was for the nursing profession and for mothers, babies and families,” said Roberta Scaer, MSS, a close friend of Sharron. “She regretted only two things – her work was cut short and that she would not be here for her grandchildren, Celie and Joey, who referred to themselves as her walking medicine.”
Sharron, the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education, the official journal of Lamaze International, for nine years, was internationally known for her research and publications in childbirth practices and breastfeeding. She served as professor and chair to the Maternal Child Nursing Department at the Virginia Commonwealth University and program director of the Lamaze-Accredited Childbirth Educator Program offered through the university. Sharron was instrumental in bringing Lamaze childbirth education to a number of other countries, including Mexico, Taiwan and Korea.
She also served as a volunteer for The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services, on the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and on the editorial review board for the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Her strong commitment to normal birth and breastfeeding was also carried out in her work with The Alliance for Transforming the Lives of Children.
Several years ago, Sharron co-authored Childbirth Education: Practice, Research and Theory, a comprehensive, research-based book covering theoretical and practical information needed in childbirth education with Francine Nichols, RNC, PhD, LCCE, FACCE.
Most recently at the Lamaze International Annual Conference, Sharron was presented the Special Recognition Award for her vision, leadership, dedication and work as editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education.
“Sharron was a trusted mentor, advisor, leader and friend to many in the maternal-child health community,” says Lamaze International President Jeannette Crenshaw, MSN, RN, IBCLC, LCCE. “It’s amazing to think that on the same weekend as her death, so many of her friends and associates were gathered in one place – thinking of her, honoring her accomplishments and continuing to advance normal birth.”
Sharron lapsed into a coma on Friday, and was in her home with friends and family when she passed away on Saturday.To honor Sharron’s commitment to advancing normal birth around the world, Lamaze International is establishing the Sharron S. Humenick International Development Fund. Her family encourages contributions in lieu of flowers.
Please send contributions to:
Lamaze International
2025 M Street NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
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Since its founding in 1960, Lamaze International has worked to promote, support and protect normal birth through education and advocacy through the dedicated efforts of professional childbirth educators, providers and parents. An international organization with regional, state and area affiliates, its members and volunteer leaders include childbirth educators, nurses, nurse midwives, physicians, students and consumers. For more information about Lamaze International and the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, visit www.lamaze.org.