Lab Values & Herbal Supplements: The Intersection

• Lydia O. Boyd, IBCLC

• This session will provide an in-depth look at why lab work is requested for lactating individuals, how herbal preparations can influence lab results, and considerations regarding conditions that may impact the lactation process.

LLL: Love, Lactation & Letdown

• Ngozi D. Walker Tibbs, IBCLC

• Establishing and maintaining a healthy intimate life after childbirth is a key area of discussion for the birthing family. Parental intimacy deserves honest and open discourse which includes the role of lactation and sexuality. This presentation will discuss common concerns experienced by lactating families as they redefine attachment, closeness, and affection after childbirth.

Advanced Clinical Skills in Supporting the Premature Dyad

• Ngozi D. Walker Tibbs, IBCLC

• Premature delivery presents unique challenges for birthing parents and their infants. Caring for premature infants requires a multifaceted, comprehensive approach that includes a medical team that cares for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the family. This presentation will outline the role of the lactation provider as an important member of the health care team.

Gut Health for the Breastfeeding Dyad

• Nicole Allen, IBCLC

• This lecture will provide an overview on the workings of the maternal and infant digestive systems, how these interact with the milk supply and other organ systems, and how counseling toward optimal gut health can improve infant feeding and maternal health.

HIV & Lactation for the Black Family

• Felisha Brooks Floyd, IBCLC

• This presentation examines the complex relationship between HIV and lactation, with a focus on the unique challenges and considerations faced by Black families. As advances in HIV treatment and care have reshaped our understanding of maternal health, this session explores the evidence-based guidelines, cultural factors, and systemic disparities that influence decision-making around breastfeeding for mothers living with HIV.

Development for the Breastfed Infant

• Dairian Roberts, IBCLC

• In this session, we’ll explore gross motor activities that promote breastfeeding skills and understanding how reflex integration and motor coordination impact latch. A deeper time into the analysis and significance of various play positions including tummy time.

Black Maternal Mental Health for the Lactating Mother

• TaNefer Camara, IBCLC

• This presentation delves into the critical yet often overlooked intersection of maternal mental health and lactation within the Black community. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how mental health influences lactation and vice versa, recognizing the importance of culturally competent care and support systems.

Oral Function in the Breastfed Infant

• Dairian Roberts, IBCLC

• This session explores the intricate dynamics of infant feeding, delving into the oral mechanics necessary for optimal latching and efficient milk removal. Participants will examine the connective tissue's structural and functional significance, understanding how it aids in the stability and mobility required for comfortable and productive feeding experiences.

Lactation & The Snapback Culture Within the Black Community

• TaNefer Camara, IBCLC

• This presentation explores the pervasive influence of "snapback culture," a societal expectation for mothers to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, within the context of the Black community. By examining the cultural, physical, and emotional implications of this phenomenon, we will uncover how these pressures impact lactation, postpartum recovery, and maternal mental health.

Bodywork for the Breastfeeding Infant

• Dairian Roberts, IBCLC

• This session introduces bodywork modalities that support infant feeding and explains how they can address feeding challenges. Participants will also learn about the roles of various providers who specialize in pediatric care.

Pumping: Expanding Your Knowledge

• Nichelle Clark, IBCLC

• The breast pump. One of the most common and easily accessible tools in lactation. Yet 32 years after the first double electric breast pump hit the market, we are still trying to figure out how these devices work. We understand the mechanics of the device, but how this piece of durable medical equipment integrates into the care of a dyad is still a gray area. When one is indicated and which ones may be indicated for use aren’t always as clear. In this course, we’ll cover the history, the mechanics, the tools & accessories, and real-life clinical integration of this tool.  

Bottle Feeding for the Breastfed Infant

• Dairian Roberts, IBCLC

• In this session, we will review responsive feeding practices, bottle differences, and common roadblocks to bottle feeding including bottle refusal.