The first 1000 days of life—from conception to age two—are a critical period for shaping lifelong health. Nutrition and lactation are key to programming metabolic, immune, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This presentation highlights new research on the connection between maternal nutrition, human milk composition, and infant development. Participants will learn practical tools for incorporating nutrition and lactation science into clinical practice, helping families succeed during this essential time.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, V, VII)
I Development & Nutrition
V Psychology, sociology & Anthropology
VII. Clinical Skills
Infants born with cleft lip, cleft palate, or cleft lip and palate have a distinct anatomical profile that can impact breastfeeding success. Most notably, difficulty separating oral and nasal cavities to generate adequate oral pressure. Feeding challenges associated with cleft lip and/or palate include insufficient milk transfer, slow growth, and prolonged feeding time, all of which can leave families feeling anxious and worried.
IBLCE Detailed Content Outline:
1 L Cerp (I, II, III, V, VI VII)
When parents are not appropriately educated or prepared regarding the unique needs of their late preterm infant, or Early Bird, the situation often deteriorates for them by week one or two weeks after birth, resulting in a baby who’s not thriving and/or a parent who’s not thriving, plus all the emotions of “what am I doing wrong?” This can be avoided, and late preterm dyads can be better protected with an optimization plan so that lactating parents can meet their own infant feeding goals despite having given birth prematurely. The late preterm infant frequently has physical limitations which prevent them from feeding from the chest/breast effectively, which can also lead to problems with the maintenance of adequate milk production if parents are not properly informed about these potential risks. However, with the proper information about Techniques to use to support progress in feeding, knowledge about expected Timelines for progress in lactation with a late preterm infant, and suggestions for what to Teach the parents of a late preterm infants, clinical lactation care providers can improve their ability to facilitate the ability to sustain lactation in this population.
IBLCE Detailed Content Outline: 1.5 L Cerp (I, IIII, V, VI, VII)
Human milk contains a living microbiome that supports infant gut and immune development. Current research shows that milk delivers bacteria, prebiotics, and immune factors that shape early colonization and influence long-term health. This presentation reviews the composition of the milk microbiome, its functions, and the factors that alter it. Key influences include birth mode, maternal diet, antibiotic exposure, and feeding method. The session explains how direct breastfeeding supports microbial transfer and how milk handling affects microbial diversity. Clinical guidance for IBCLCs focuses on protecting this ecosystem through evidence-based practices that support maternal health, responsive feeding, and safe milk management. Emerging studies highlight links between milk microbiome diversity and risks of allergy, obesity, and inflammatory disease. Attendees will gain practical tools to support families and understand the growing science behind the human milk microbiome.
Deep dive into infant food reactivity through breastfeeding by understanding the molecular and immunological basis of what happens when families are experiencing symptoms. Follow a protein from the mouth of the lactating parent all the way to the immune system response in the feeding child. Review timing for each step and how we can empower continued breastfeeding based on this research.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
Skillful lactation consulting requires the ability to interpret sucking speed, suck:swallow ratios, and coordination of swallowing and breathing. This session presents recent research on normal sucking rhythms of breastfeeding infants. Compensatory strategies used by infants with prematurity and cardiorespiratory anomalies are discussed, and are illustrated with clinical videos. Cervical Auscultation (listening with a stethoscope over the baby’s neck or chin during feeding) is a useful tool for lactation consultants in assessing suck:swallow:breathe rhythms. Inaudible swallowing sounds become audible, and difficulties coordinating swallowing and breathing are more easily identified. This advanced practice presentation uses recorded sound files of cervical auscultation of breastfeeding infants to illustrate difficulties that can be identified using this method. Use of this information in clinical problem solving is stressed.
1.5 L Cerp (I, III, VI)
In this presentation, Kathryn will take participants through finding out the news you are expecting more than one, mixed emotions, preparation to breastfeed, premature birth, late preterm and early term birth, tandem feeding, and ongoing breastfeeding. Multiple birth families have more barriers to establishing breastfeeding than the average singleton family and often need ongoing support.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, II, V, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
II. Physiology & Endocrinology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
With an emphasis on visual diagnosis using more than one hundred clinical photographs, this presentation focuses on clinical features of the newborn head and neck, emphasizing normal variants where reassurance is appropriate and pathologic findings in which further evaluation and management is warranted.
IBLCE Detailed Content Outline:
1 R Cerp (I, III, VII)
The tongue is a muscular hydrostat and when properly functioning at rest, is passively suctioned up against the palate. Assisting with optimized craniofacial and respiratory growth, habitual nasal breathing, and attainment of quality, recuperative, deep sleep. Unfortunately, when a tongue tie is present, another domino effect of varying consequences can take place, which may include: sub-optimal growth, feeding difficulties, palatal collapse, habitual mouth breathing, sleep disordered breathing, OSA, behavioural challenges, and more. This presentation covers the essential airway centric elements for optimizing cranio-facial growth, development, and function from birth onwards. Scientific and evidence-based with an emphasis on anatomical and physiological changes occurring from birth. Learn the signs and symptoms to be aware of, what can be provided (e.g. orofacial myofunctional therapy, breathing re-education, frenotomy (tongue/lip tie) - functional scissor surgical approach, and how a multi-disciplinary philosophy is essential for best care. Dr Sigal presents current research from her own multi-disciplinary practice highlighting her comprehensive airway centric patient assessments, treatment protocols and outcomes throughout paediatrics.
1.75 L Cerp (I, III, V, VII)
I Development and Nutrition
III Pathology
V Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VII Clinical Skills
As humans evolved, the milk specific to nourishing, protecting, and developing their babies went through an incredible transformation. The unique demands of having placentas, growing large brains, and making milk for infants that required rapid maturation post-delivery led to a unique set of neohormones. Neohormones facilitate reproduction in the mammal, direct the development of mammary tissue and are a significant component of human milk. Neohormones interact with the epigenome and microbiome, targeting certain genes that lead to reproductive success. In this presentation, you will learn about these fascinating components in human milk and the extraordinary role they play in human development.
1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: I, III, VII)
This presentation will explore what induced lactation is, circumstances where it may be needed and review several real case studies of induced lactation and their outcomes. Participants will come away with a deeper knowledge and understanding of inducing lactation, as well as how to better counsel and support families who choose this path.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (I, II, IV, V, VI, VII)
The connection between the thyroid gland and milk production has not been well-recognized or appreciated. The good news is that new animal research is providing us with insights into the possible effects of thyroid dysfunction. This talk takes a detailed look at hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, postpartum thyroiditis and thyroid cancer and the unique challenges each presents for lactation, and then discusses treatment strategies and interfacing with the health care team.
1.5 L Cerp (II, III)
II Physiology and Endocrinology
III Pathology
Maternal obesity is increasingly prevalent, and is associated with earlier breastfeeding cessation. Physiological factors, including delayed lactogenesis, insulin resistance, blunted prolactin responses, and chronic inflammation, may contribute to suboptimal lactation outcomes. Clinical and psychosocial barriers (such as higher rates of medical interventions, physical difficulties with breastfeeding positioning, and weight stigma) further impact breastfeeding success. While structured interventions have shown mixed results, tailored, compassionate support—including prenatal education, practical assistance with positioning, and equitable postpartum care—is essential. Addressing both physiological and social barriers can help women with obesity achieve their breastfeeding goals, ultimately benefiting both maternal and infant health.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, II, III, V, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
II. Physiology & Endocrinology
III. Pathology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
An overview of neonatal jaundice will be presented. The pathophysiology of hyperbilirubinemia will be explained. Red flags for medical opinion and treatment will be highlighted. Strategies for supporting breastfeeding and optimising lactation during and following resolution of jaundice will be explored.
1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: I, II, III)
Hypoglycemia refers to a low blood or plasma glucose concentration and may reflect the imbalance between supply and utilization, and is the most common metabolic disturbance occurring in the neonatal period. It is frequent that healthcare professionals do not take actions that support breastfeeding mothers, leading frequently to early and unnecessary supplementation with artificial formulas, undermining breastfeeding. During this presentation, we will provide healthcare professionals with recent evidence base guidelines on neonatal hypoglycemia and the recommendations that may support the breast /chest feeding families.
1 L Cerp (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
The mammary gland (breast) is one of the most dynamic, defining and fascinating organs possessed by mammals. During lactation, it can produce astonishing amounts of milk each day; act as a temporary and mobile storage vessel for this product; and deliver it to the neonate upon audio, visual or touch-based stimuli. A mother’s milk—whilst able to serve as the sole source of nutrition for the dependent neonate(s) after birth—is far more than a source of nutrients for growth and development. Instead, milk is a type of “personalised medicine”, replete with immune cells, enzymes and prebiotics. Despite its importance, we know very little about the cells that make and eject milk during lactation. This means that we have very little understanding of why some women may struggle to breastfeed, the demands placed on these pathways when babies are born prematurely, or even how drugs used during pregnancy and breastfeeding may affect milk supply or release. In this presentation, Dr Davis will discuss what her laboratory has uncovered on the biology of milk production and release using genetically engineered animal models and new methods in microscopy.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, II, III, IV, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
II. Physiology & Endocrinology
III. Pathology
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
VII. Clinical Skills
When good management isn’t good enough to improve low milk supply, what else could it be? Hormones play important roles in lactation and when they aren’t working right lactation may be affected. Conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, prolactin problems and polycystic ovary syndrome affect lactation for some individuals. This session discusses how hormones work, what kinds of things can go wrong, identifying problems and developing treatment strategies.
2 L Cerps (IBLCE Content Outline: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
Women who have insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) may struggle with their milk supply, despite good breastfeeding management. Some of these babies can present with dehydration in the neonatal period, hypernatremia or even death, and it is uncommon for mothers to receive support with breastfeeding to achieve goals that benefit the dyad. It is of great importance to help with an accurate and prompt diagnosis that benefits both mother and baby and supports the choice to continue breastfeeding with breast/ chest supplementation if needed.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1.25 L Cerp (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is secreted into breast milk and is critical to both protecting against enteric pathogens and shaping the infant intestinal microbiota. The efficacy of breast milk-derived maternal IgA (BrmIgA) is dependent upon its specificity however, variability in the binding ability to the infant intestinal bacteria is not known. We demonstrated that a relative reduction in IgA binding to inflammatory intestinal bacteria in preterm infants is associated with an increased likelihood of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), so binding of intestinal bacteria in infants may be important in some settings. Using a flow cytometric array, we analyzed the ability of BrmIgA against bacteria common to the infant microbiota and discovered substantial variability between all donors. Conversely, longitudinal analysis showed that the anti-bacterial reactivity of breast milk-derived antibodies was relatively stable through time, even between sequential infants, indicating that mammary gland IgA responses are durable. Together, our study demonstrates that the anti-bacterial BrmIgA reactivity displays inter-individual heterogeneity but intra-individual stability. These findings have important implications for how breast milk shapes the development of the preterm infant microbiota and protects against NEC.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (I, II, III)
Lactation mastitis is a debilitating inflammatory breast disease occurring in 1 of 5 Australian breastfeeding women. The disease causes reduced milk synthesis, localised pain, and the rapid onset of systemic symptoms including fever, muscle aches, chills and fatigue, leading many women to use supplementary formula or cease breastfeeding altogether. Forty years ago, it was believed that the underlying cause of mastitis was infection of the breast with pathogenic bacteria. This old paradigm was built upon work within the dairy industry showing that mastitis in dairy cows can be significantly reduced by sterilisation of milking equipment and routine administration of antibiotics. However, this simple relationship between pathogens and disease in women is not supported by current clinical evidence and it has become clear that the underlying causes of mastitis in breastfeeding women are more complex. Our research is providing new insights into the biology of mastitis and challenging the old paradigm. Through developing a better understanding of the causes of mastitis, we can develop new treatment and prevention approaches to this debilitating disease and improve breastfeeding outcomes.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L CERP (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
II. Physiology & Endocrinology
III. Pathology
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
Breastfeeding offers metabolic benefits for both mother and child, particularly in the context of maternal metabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, lactating parents with insulin-resistant conditions experience more difficulties in establishing and sustaining lactation. In this presentation, we will review the basic pathophysiology of diabetes and PCOS, discuss the impact of these conditions on breastfeeding outcomes, outline the likely underlying mechanisms for lactation difficulties in women with metabolic disease, and describe clinical management considerations.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L CERP (I, II, III, VII)
In this presentation, Ginna will take a look back at history, and then review the current literature on nipple soreness in breastfeeding mothers. She will explore various approaches to preventing/managing pain, look at some new modalities not yet widely in use, and finish with some unique case studies.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1.5 L CERP (I, III, IV, VI, VII)
I. Development and Nutrition
III. Pathology
IV. Pharmacology and Toxicology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect. Cardiac and respiratory inefficiency complicate feeding for a significant minority of infants. Breastfeeding is generally easier for these infants than other feeding methods, especially if modifications are made to accommodate their reduced stamina and ability to manage flow. This presentation reviews the most common cardiac and respiratory issues in newborns and infants, along with research-based strategies to preserve breastfeeding and educate parents about their baby’s special feeding needs.
1.5 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: I, II, III, IV, VI, VII)
Nipple or breast thrush is a label frequently attached to lactating individuals who have symptoms such as shooting pains or skin changes. But is this actually evidence-based? Looking at anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology, the very concept of nipple/breast thrush comes under scrutiny in this presentation.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, II, III, IV, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
II. Physiology & Endocrinology
III. Pathology
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
VII. Clinical Skills
Human milk (HM) is the optimal infant nutrition. Yet the suitability of HM macronutrient composition, paired with the challenge of regulating HM intake, may deserve some consideration for infants with inherited metabolic disorders (IMD) requiring restrictive and controlled dietary management. Except for classic galactosemia, HM feeding is expected to be feasible, allowing infants to maintain metabolic stability, while growing and developing optimally. For phenylketonuria (PKU), breast (milk) feeding is standard care, however, this is not yet the case for non-PKU inherited metabolic disorders. Literature is scarce on this subject. In summary, the data suggest that HM feeding is possible in inherited metabolic disorders, with attentive monitoring and disease-specific formula supplementation where applicable. In this presentation, Dr Karall focuses on the practicability and the use of human milk feeding and/or breastfeeding in infants with inherited metabolic disorders and how to implement it into the requirements of the dietary treatment.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, III, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
III. Pathology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
This session will focus on common concerns regarding infant digestive health and useful support strategies that care providers can incorporate into their work with families. We will discuss what's normal and what's not in regard to stooling, spit up/reflux, colic/fussiness, food sensitivities, and more. Many parents are coping with babies that are uncomfortable and unhappy due to digestive health concerns. Dealing with a fussy, uncomfortable baby is emotionally and physically draining. Having a basic understanding of infant gut health and care strategies can be useful tools for any type of practitioner working with infants.
IBLCE Content Outline 1.5 L (I, III, IV, V, VII)
For most maternal medications, the potential for harming the breastfed infant is minimal; only small amounts of medication are transferred into human milk and absorbed by the infant. Most reviews of medications for breastfeeding women conclude that the benefits of medication use during lactation outweigh the risks. Yet, health professionals and families are often unsure about the safety of medicines on the breastfed infant, and this is still a barrier to achieving Australia’s breastfeeding goals.
1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: II, III, IV)
Increasing diagnosis and self-recognition of neurodiversity, especially among women is occurring in increasing frequency worldwide. Attention- Deficit- Hyperactivity- Disorder (ADHD) is an often poorly understood condition of neurodivergence, with presentations in women having been traditionally missed. How healthcare providers approach this is an evolving area and yet there has been little discussion around the implications of ADHD diagnosis and pharmacological management during the peripartum and breastfeeding. There are increasing bodies of evidence demonstrating higher risks of complications during pregnancy and postpartum and that appropriate treatment greatly reduces these risks. Breastfeeding and pharmacological treatment are compatible with stimulants being not only the most efficacious treatment option but also the safest. Non-stimulant treatment options may be compatible but lack of data and higher rates of transfer in breastmilk can be problematic. Women however can be supported to have appropriate care of their ADHD during the peripartum and breastfeed also, with well-backed reassurance that this is often safe for their infant and is the gold standard for outcomes for both mother and child.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (III, IV, VII)
Whether real or perceived, low breast milk supply remains one of the most commonly reported reasons for early breastfeeding cessation. While non-pharmacological support strategies remain the first-line approach for addressing concerns with low breast milk supply, we know that many women are recommended, or turn to using galactagogues (substances thought to promote lactation). Domperidone is one of the most widely recognised and recommended pharmaceutical galactagogues across the world. This presentation will provide an evidence-based guide to potential benefits and harms associated with using domperidone as a galactagogue and describe key recommendations relating to treatment initiation, dosing, duration of treatment, and treatment cessation. Evidence relating to the association between domperidone and sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmias will also be discussed with a focus on its relevance to lactating women and consideration of risk management approaches that can be utilized in clinical practice to reduce the risk of harm.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (II, III, IV, VI, VII)
Sadly, many mothers are told that they cannot breastfeed when taking medication if they have a chronic condition. It is seen as more important that the mother’s health is managed and breastfeeding is seen as unimportant and a drain on the mother. This is rarely based on evidence-based information or an understanding of how drugs pass into milk and the value of term breastfeeding. In this presentation, we will look at the way to use specialist sources of information, illustrated by situations commonly encountered by lactating mothers with chronic conditions and how breastfeeding may protect the health of future generations.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (I, III, IV, VII)
The incidence of substance use disorder (SUD) in pregnancy has been increasing globally, with a concomitant increase in affected infants with in utero substance exposure. It is recommended by most perinatal associations for dyads with maternal substance use and no active illicit use to breastfeed. In this presentation we will review these recommendations, the known and investigational benefits of breastfeeding that are specific to dyads with maternal SUD, and best practices and novel interventions to support breastfeeding in this population. Specifically, we will focus on providing breastfeeding support that takes into account the complex web of medical and social complexities experienced by dyads with maternal SUD including histories of trauma, social isolation, housing/transportation insecurity, psychiatric and medical comorbidities/medications, pain, low milk production, neonatal withdrawal, child welfare involvement, stigma and more.
IBLCE Content Outline (III, IV, V, VII)
III. Pathology
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VII. Clinical Skills
Marijuana is now legal for recreational use in various countries and has a complex legal situation in most. CBD oil, a hemp derivative, is legalized in Australia and most of the United States. Due to popularity of these substances, lactating mothers often assume legality equals safety. This presentation discusses the psychoactive potential of both these substances, their similarities, and their differences. It also discusses the large gap in knowledge and lack of research on both. Finally, it discusses educational, harm-reduction approaches the IBCLC can take with mothers to give information while maintaining a trusted partnership.
IBLCE Content Outline (IV, V, VII)
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VII. Clinical Skills
While some clinicians might roll their eyes when ‘lactation cookies’ are mentioned we know foods and herbs have long been used to nourish the postpartum parent and enhance lactation. Some topics this talk aims to cover: Does nourishment matter when it comes to breastmilk quality or quantity? How can we approach galactagogues for lactating parents in an individualized way? How can clinicians evaluate evidence and determine safety regarding galactagogues? We know that parents coping with milk supply concerns are often desperate to ‘try anything’. Clinicians have an important role in helping families understand the risks and benefits of galactagogues. By helping parents identify resources and information around foods and herbs, we can help empower them to make informed choices.
IBLCE Content Outline (IV, VII)
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
VII. Clinical Skills
Breastfeeding is on the rise in the 21st century. However, even with all of the evidence-based research and verification from health care professionals, there are still some strong barriers to breastfeeding. Research and case studies have associated how child sexual abuse, intimate partner violence and birth trauma suffered by the mother and the baby can interfere with breastfeeding initiation and duration. By dissecting some of the research and case studies, this presentation identifies how trauma, either endured by mother, baby, or both, can lead to failure to initiate breastfeeding, latch issues, milk supply problems, painful feeds and early cessation of breastfeeding. Both psychological and physiological damage can occur during this delicate post-partum period. This presentation will help the provider to detect the sometimes subtle signs of trauma. By using the research and case studies, providers will learn how to best support women who are struggling with the backlash of trauma and abuse. Once trauma has been identified, taking care to problem solve is crucial for initiating and sustaining breastfeeding under difficult circumstances.
IBLCE Content Outline:
1 L Cerp (I, V, VI, VII)
In this presentation, Professor Chamberlain will:
IBLCE Content Outline:
0.75 L Cerp (V, VII)
With over 2000 feeds in the first year of life, it's easy to see how difficulties with feeding could impact the parental-infant relationship. During this talk we will explore some of the common challenges the dyad may experience, and how feeding impacts mental health - and vice versa.
IBLCE Content Outline:
1 L Cerp (I, IV, V, VII)
Inevitably much of the work of breastfeeding support focuses on establishing a feeding relationship, but we shouldn’t underestimate the challenges that weaning can bring, especially for an older child who has a strong emotional connection to breastfeeding. This presentation describes how we can support parents in making decisions about how to end a breastfeeding relationship and how to go about it in a way that feels authentic and emotionally supportive for all parties. When our society simultaneously devalues natural term breastfeeding and perceives child-led weaning as an ideal, parents can be left feeling isolated. What role can breastfeeding supporters have?
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (I, V, VII)
I Development & Nutrition
V Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VII Clinical Skills
How we understand infant sleep varies according to our vantage point as parents, practitioners, and observers, and the same is true for researchers from different disciplines. Consequently, the science of infant sleep has been shaped by history, culture, politics, religion and economics, with relatively little input from biology. The view of infant sleep from anthropology encompasses both the role of evolutionary biology in shaping babies’ sleep needs, and the cultural context in which babies' and parents' biological sleep needs come into conflict. In this presentation, Helen will discuss how anthropologists have challenged popular understandings of baby sleep and used our unique vantage point to ask and answer new questions that further illuminate how babies sleep.
1 R Cerp (I, V, VII)
I Development and Nutrition
V Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VII Clinical Skills
Lactation is a fundamental aspect of human life and is a biological necessity that is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, traditions, and societal norms. Lactation supporters can provide invaluable assistance to families seeking to lactate successfully. However, cultural differences and a lack of understanding of culture and diversity can create barriers between lactation supporters and the families we are trying to support. It is crucial that lactation supporters and health care providers are aware of and acknowledge the unique role that culture and diversity can play in this dynamic, both to prevent obstacles and to encourage lactation through culturally appropriate methods.
IBLCE Content Outline (V, VII)
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VII. Clinical Skills
LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming individuals have existed throughout history and across all regions, yet their experiences are often excluded from discussions of child-rearing. As global communities become more accepting of parents of all genders and sexualities, parenthood is increasingly accessible. And, of course, babies need to be fed! Supporting human lactation means that all should have equal access to human milk and the opportunity to chestfeed or breastfeed if they choose. This presentation will explore the common challenges faced by members of LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming communities, as well as affirming and supportive practices. Additionally, we will examine how lactation may be affected by gender-affirming treatments, such as hormones or surgeries. At the end of the presentation, participants will have actionable steps to take to improve their support for LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming patients.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, II, IV, V, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
II. Physiology & Endocrinology
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
Previous research revealed numerous barriers to breastfeeding. However, recent research has revealed that some barriers come in the guise of “help.” This session is based on new research in my book Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck and identifies how mothers’ thoughts can undermine their breastfeeding efforts. It also addresses social support: when it helps and when it becomes a barrier. This session describes effective support from partners, grandmothers, community groups, and healthcare providers. The final section covers a topic we do not like to think about: when breastfeeding fails. However, lactation consultants can support women through this difficult transition as well. Attendees will learn how to address these hidden barriers and how to help women heal from breastfeeding grief and form a secure attachment with their infants.
IBLCE Content Outline (V, VII)
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VII. Clinical Skills
Despite the known risks, routine labour interventions are very common. However, the risks associated with routine labour interventions are not limited to infant and maternal health. Interventions used during labour can often cause negative downstream challenges for breastfeeding initiation and continued lactation success. This lecture examines the most commonly used labour interventions and their potential negative consequences with regard to establishing and maintaining lactation. This discussion explores the latest research on many labour interventions such as induction of labour, maternal IV fluids, epidural anesthesia, instrumental delivery, and cesarean delivery (and others). The analysis will include the known physiological factors that can impede the establishment of breastfeeding in the critical early postpartum period and offer several strategies to minimize the negative impact on lactation.
1 L Cerp (I, II, III, IV, V, VI VII)
Autism is a normal form of cognitive diversity, but is often experienced as a significant Disability in contemporary society. To date, most research conducted on Autistic children, fails to recognise that Autistic children become Autistic adults. Her systematic review looked at Autistic experiences of infant feeding, and showed some additional challenges for Autistic parents compared to neurotypical peers. She then undertook a follow on survey of 193 Autistic people who had been pregnant, which highlighted that maternity and infant feeding support was not well suited to meet their needs, with many participants recommending training for health professionals to facilitate a better understanding of Autistic realities. This presentation will focus on the differences in Autistic communication styles, sensory processing experiences and co-occurring conditions, and how this impacts on the use of maternity services.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (V, VII)
In this presentation, Dr Kellams will review how to support families with exclusive breastfeeding, how to determine if supplementation is needed, how to prevent the need for supplementation, and how to get back to breastfeeding if supplementation occurs.
Following the presentation, participants will be able to:
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (I, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
Latch pain has long been a significant reason for the premature cessation of breastfeeding. Globally, the percentage of women who experience nipple pain and damage upon discharge has remained largely reduced in the last 20 years. In this presentation, Avery Young will present an innovative, reflex-based approach to latching, based on her own observations working with infants, that has reduced nipple pain and damage in an overwhelming majority of the families she has supported, even when nipple damage is severe and has been persisting for months.
IBLCE Detailed Content Outline:
1 L Cerp (I, III, VI, VII)
In this presentation, participants will learn about the causes of feeding aversion in breastfeeding babies and signs, even ones that may be quite subtle, that are indicative of aversion at the breast. They will be instructed on ways to support mothers in maintaining a breastfeeding relationship through the use of responsive feeding measures. Responsive feeding is a reciprocal process between a parent and an infant where infants communicate their hunger and fullness cues, and parents respond to those cues. With responsive feeding measures, caregivers are taught ways to manage feeding aversion, without force or pressure and through the use of consistent and predictable responses which help teach the baby self-regulation with eating. Participants will be able to support families in identifying and even preventing more intense aversive feeding behaviours that could sabotage the breastfeeding relationship. While aversion to the breast can be stressful to the family, it can be managed with the right responsive feeding techniques. Participants will also be educated on ways to collaborate with other health care professionals, such as a dietitian if the feeding situation is more complex and parents may be experiencing fear due to poor weight gain.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1.5 L CERP (I, III, V, VI, VII)
In this presentation, Ginna will discuss the use of alternative feeding methods, nipple shields, weighing babies, and pumping. When do they help? When do they hinder? As we acquire more devices and new technology, how do we discern which ones help and which cause problems of their own?
IBLCE Detailed Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (III, VI, VII)
Maternal (parental) human milk has particular importance in the newborn care unit, where infants are sick or very premature. However this often involves exclusive expression to establish and maintain milk supply and parents may have extra physiological challenges such as abbreviated mammary tissue remodelling because of premature birth, and exposure to medications such as steroids. In this context, there is a high risk of low milk supply, non-exclusive human milk feeding, and early cessation of expressing/breastfeeding. This presentation will present results from an exploratory analysis of milk expression data collected in a randomised trial. 132 participants who had given birth at less than 32 weeks of pregnancy were recruited and asked to record their milk expression on day 4, 14 and 21 after birth. They subsequently provided information on feeding status up to four months corrected age. The presentation will cover the relationship of expressing pattern with milk yield (frequency, gaps between sessions and duration), the impact of non-modifiable factors such as prior breastfeeding experience and the relationship of milk yield with later breastfeeding outcomes. Practical rules of thumb are suggested to help guide clinical practice.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
II. Physiology & Endocrinology
III. Pathology
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
As education around tongue tie increases, many people now understand the importance of lactation support and bodywork, but this often does not include neuromuscular reeducation in a way that ensures the change in function needed to optimally influence healing and fully correct oral dysfunction. These aspects of care also needed to be integrated in a way that facilitates each other. This presentation will explore how to break down the components of suck-swallow-breathe, facilitate neuromuscular reeducation of normal movement patterns, and improve whole-body functioning. It will also explore other factors that complicate patients' presentations, with special attention to feeding aversions.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, III, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
III. Pathology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
Breast pain is one of the major causes of weaning. The likelihood of weaning increases the longer pain persists. Engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis are commonly associated with acute breast pain. Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation (TBML) is one of the important measures to resolve pain quickly. The purpose of this presentation is to enhance knowledge of TBML techniques for relieving discomfort caused by engorgement, plugged ducts and mastitis in lactating women and learn how to empower breastfeeding mothers to use these techniques as well.
After this presentation participants will be able to:
IBLCE Content Outline: 1.5 L Cerp (III, V, VI, VII)
Well-organized sensory systems provide the foundation for relational feeding. Sensory interactions communicate the story of the dyad, a window into strengths and challenges. Encouraging families to attune to their own sensory preferences and that of their infant can significantly influence the dynamics of the body/chest feeding relationship. This presentation will explore the basics of sensory processing as it relates to provider, parent, and infant co-regulation in the context of chest/breastfeeding and lactation support. We will explore basic neurology and cultural influences of the 8 senses though dyadic examples. Ways in which subtle signs of sensory disorganization and sensory processing disorder present in chest/breastfeeding relationships will also be reviewed. Participants will learn practical strength-based sensory strategies to support families in the beginning stages of life, feeding, and beyond.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, III, V, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
III. Pathology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
This presentation for lactation consultants will help to enhance their skills in conducting effective newborn assessments. Lisa will explore the critical components of the newborn exam, focusing on how specific health indicators and physical assessments can influence breastfeeding outcomes. Participants will learn how to identify common concerns such as latch issues, feeding patterns, and physical abnormalities that may impact breastfeeding success. The presentation will also provide practical tips for assessing newborns in real-time, empowering lactation consultants to offer targeted support, early intervention, and tailored guidance to new families so that an optimal breastfeeding experience is realised.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, III, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
III. Pathology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
Increasing numbers of parents around the world are pumping their milk when breastfeeding isn’t possible. Offering insights from both personal experience and 25 years in private practice, this presentation explores strategies for maximizing milk removal and pumping comfort, including pump selection, flange fitting, hands-free options, scheduling, and tips that make all the difference.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (VI, VII)
‘Faltering Weight’ is used to describe a baby whose weight gain is less than expected, and in 2017 NICE Guidance was produced to provide evidence-based information and recommendations for those working with the weight faltering babies. This presentation seeks to provide information and resources on supporting the families of breastfed babies who are weight faltering and explores some case studies for discussion.
Following the presentation, participants will be able to:
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (I, II, III, VII)
This presentation will focus on improving your clinical skills during your lactation consultations to enable you to get the best outcomes for your clients/patients. There will be a focus on improving your history-taking and examination skills. This presentation will address some common conditions of the breastfeeding dyad and highlight red flags to watch out for. Finally, the presentation will cover formulating a management plan and making appropriate referrals.
Following the presentation, participants will be able to:
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (I, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
Most cis-women can exclusively breastfeed. However, a small cohort are unable to produce enough milk to exclusively breastfeed due to having primary low milk supply (PLMS). Recent qualitative studies have found that having breastfeeding difficulties and in particular, PLMS, can have significant implications for mothers’ mental health and well-being in the postpartum period. Research has also revealed that this cohort struggles to find information about PLMS and that they tend to be dissatisfied with the breastfeeding and lactation support they receive from healthcare professionals and others. This presentation will explore the phenomenon of PLMS - causes, prevalence, and recent research, and challenges faced by parents who experience it. Practical approaches to supporting this cohort will be outlined, with an emphasis on providing manageable, practical care plans that support lactation, psychological well-being, maternal mental health and the mother-baby relationship. The presentation will also address the emotional and social impacts on mothers of being unable to breastfeed exclusively in the way that they had hoped and the embodied nature of what it is to be a woman whose body cannot make sufficient milk. The importance of skilled and individualized breastfeeding support for parents with PLMS will be highlighted and specific areas for improving the support provided to women with PLMS will be illuminated.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
I. Development & Nutrition
II. Physiology & Endocrinology
III. Pathology
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
V. Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VI. Techniques
VII. Clinical Skills
The most significant influence on a mother’s breastfeeding decision is based on the father's attitude or perceived attitude. In this presentation, Ashley will present her research from her doctorate and post doc work. The objective of the evidence-based practice (EBP) research is to determine if fathers with newborns are provided with breastfeeding education, will their attitudes change favourably towards breastfeeding.
1 L Cerp (V, VII)
There are many reasons infants struggle to latch and feed well. Critically thinking through a case involves assessing all the variables that may be impacting feedings. This is no easy task when we must consider what is happening on the parent's side and the infant's side. How can we put all the pieces of a complex case together in order to be an effective lactation detective? This session is designed to help providers implement critical thinking skills in order to think outside the box when it comes to difficult cases.
IBLCE Content Outline (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
I Development and Nutrition
II Physiology & Endocrinology
III Pathology
IV Pharmacology & Toxicology
V Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
VI Techniques
VII Clinical Skills
In the Maternal-Child Health field, providers often meet families during their most vulnerable times. Pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding can be traumatizing or trigger previous traumas that providers may not be aware of. This talk encourages lactation consultants to be cognizant of this and gives an overview of the various types of traumas and the ways that they may present, while providing tools to effectively support families to meet their breastfeeding goals.
IBLCE Content Outline: 1 L Cerp (V, VII)
Many peer counselors and lactation professionals are taught basic counseling skills without any knowledge of body language or mindfulness skills which does not contribute to deep listening or the ability to fully understand the depth of the client’s issue and need. Attendees will be able to use proper listening skills, appropriate body language, and mindfulness while employing Three Part Listening Skills to better understand and address the needs of their patients.
IBCLC and attorney, Liz Brooks will accompany participants through real-life scenarios (from the hospital settings, to researchers, lactation conferences and more) to determine whether or not a WHO code violation is going on.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
IBLCE Content Outline (VII)
For decades, the inappropriate marketing of commercial formula milk has shaped our societal and professional norms, values and beliefs around infant and young child feeding. Formula milk marketing, not the product itself, disrupts informed decision-making through the deliberate misuse and distortion of scientific information to exploit parental emotions and aspirations. This presentation will look at the latest evidence supporting the importance of The Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes and discuss the challenges faced in the digital age. It will also explore individual conflicts of interest and the role of healthcare workers in navigating the increasingly pervasive formula milk marketing landscape.
IBLCE Content Outline (VII)
VII. Clinical Skills
Health professionals, including lactation consultants, have a duty to practice in an evidence-based manner. The human brain is a marvel, but it conserves energy by automating tasks and simplifying analysis. This presentation explores the use and misuse of heuristics and evaluation of evidence in the formulation of clinical reasoning in health care professionals assisting breastfeeding families in the context of ethical practice. It includes strategies to improve the accurate interpretation of research and avoid cognitive errors in a ‘blame-free’ context. In addition, it reviews new information on genetic susceptibility to confirmation bias and basic information about the brain pathways involved.
1.25 E Cerp (VII)
VII. Clinical Skills
This revealing talk shows the marketing tactics of formula companies and how the producers effectively use propaganda, generalizations and advertising to convince the general public that their product is equal to breastmilk. Many examples and pictures are shown, captivating the visual learners.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
Health-care professionals (HCP) have a responsibility to protect and promote maternal and infant health and breastfeeding is one of the most effective measures to support this. Increasing breastfeeding rates in Australia is crucial to improving population health, but the absence of robust policies, programmes and education for HCP undermines this effort. The pervasive marketing of commercial milk formulas (CMF), including sponsorship of HCP and their organisations, has introduced significant conflicts of interest that distort clinical practice, education, research and guidelines developed in the infant feeding domain. This is a call to action to all HCP to seek independence from the CMF industry and to actively support breastfeeding in their practice.
IBLCE Content Outline (VII)
VII. Clinical Skills
Diana West
Diana West has been an IBCLC in New Jersey (US) for over 20 years and is a retired La Leche League Leader. She has published many books, including Making More Milk, Sweet Sleep, the 8th edition of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding after Breast and Nipple Procedures, Defining Your Own Success: Breastfeeding after Breast Reduction Surgery, and ILCA’s popular Clinician’s Breastfeeding Triage Tool. Diana has also co-authored a research article with a team led by Trevor MacDonald and the late Joy Noel-Weiss about trans men’s experiences with lactation and gender identity.
Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Dr Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and the director of Praeclarus Press, a small press specializing in women's health. For the past 10 years, Dr Kendall-Tackett has been editor-in-chief of Psychological Trauma. She is fellow of the American Psychological Association in Health and Trauma Psychology and past president of the APA Division of Trauma Psychology. Dr Kendall-Tackett specializes in women's-health research including breastfeeding, depression, trauma, and health psychology, and has won many awards for her work including the 2019 President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Trauma Psychology from the American Psychological Association, and is a member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society.
Dr. Kendall-Tackett has authored more than 500 articles or chapters and is author or editor of 42 books. Her most recent books include Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck (2022), Women’s Mental Health Across the Lifespan (2017), and most recently, Depression in New Mothers, 4th Ed - Vols I & II (2023, 2024).
Helen Ball
Dr Helen Ball is professor of anthropology and director of the Infancy & Sleep Centre (DISC) at Durham University. She founded Basis, the Baby Sleep Information Source in 2012 as an outreach project of DISC, for which she was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further & Higher Education in 2018. Her research examines the sleep ecology of infants and their parents including attitudes and practices regarding infant sleep and sleep safety, behavioural and physiological interactions of infants and their parents during sleep, infant sleep development, and the discordance between cultural and biological sleep needs. Much of her research has focussed on bed-sharing and breastfeeding. She has conducted research in hospitals, the community, and her lab, and she contributes to national and international policy and practice guidelines on infant care. Helen served as a board member of ISPID (International Society for the Study and Prevention of Infant Deaths) from 2018 to 2022, is chair of the grants/research committee, and a member of the scientific advisory group for the Lullaby Trust, and serves on the qualifications board for Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative. She was also an associate editor for Sleep Health, journal of the US National Sleep Foundation 2020-2024 (all voluntary positions). In 2025 her popular science book How Babies Sleep will be published by Penguin Random House.
Anita Bearzatto
Anita is a GP and IBCLC who works in the field of Breastfeeding Medicine and maternal and child health. Anita works with families who have complicated breastfeeding problems and addresses the varied medical issues of the mother and baby in the perinatal period. Anita works in private practice in Melbourne and she also works sessions at the Breastfeeding and Lactation Disorders Clinic at The Royal Women’s Hospital. Finally, recognising an unmet need, Anita provides ongoing lactation education and support to healthcare professionals and the community. Anita is a board member of the Breastfeeding Medicine Network of Australia and New Zealand.
Lisa Marasco
Lisa Marasco has been working with breastfeeding mothers for 35 years and has been an IBCLC since 1993. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Development with specialization in Lactation Consulting and was designated a Fellow of ILCA in 2009. Lisa is co-author of Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production, a contributing author to the Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Lactation Care, and a Cochrane Collaborative author. She is retired from the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program of Santa Barbara County but continues to research, write and speak as well as spend time with her children and grandchildren.
Ginna Wall
Ginna ran the lactation program at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle Washington for 35 years. She led the way to Baby-Friendly Hospital certification in 2009 and recertification in 2019. Before that she was an acute care inpatient pediatric nurse, a camp nurse, a childbirth educator, and a doula. She enjoys teaching healthcare workers about all the things she learned along the way.
Laurel Wilson
Laurel Wilson is a TEDx and international speaker, author, perinatal expert, lactation consultant, and integrative health coach with over three decades of experience in maternal-child health. She served as the Executive Director of Lactation Programs for CAPPA for 17 years and was a member of the Board of Directors for the United States Breastfeeding Committee from 2016 to 2019. Currently, she serves on the Advisory Boards for InJoy Health and the Colorado Breastfeeding Coalition. Laurel owns MotherJourney, an organization dedicated to training perinatal professionals in integrative and holistic approaches to the perinatal period. She holds a degree in Maternal Child Health: Lactation Consulting and is an IBCLC. An accomplished author, Laurel co-wrote The Attachment Pregnancy and The Greatest Pregnancy Ever and was the original editor of the CAPPA Lactation Educator Manual. She also contributed to Round the Circle: Doulas Talk About Themselves. Laurel has a passion for blending the latest scientific discoveries with the mind-body-spirit wisdom of traditional practices.
Luke Grzeskowiak
Luke is a registered pharmacist at Flinders Medical Centre and practitioner fellow at Flinders University and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Luke’s research is focused on improving women’s and children’s health through the development and promotion of safer, more effective and personalized approaches towards medicines use. Luke is currently leading an active research program focused on improving the identification and pharmacological management of lactation insufficiency. Luke is the principal investigator of a large clinical trial evaluating different doses of domperidone for the treatment of lactation insufficiency following preterm birth.
Wendy Ingman
A/Prof Wendy Ingman is a breast biologist at the University of Adelaide, based at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Her research explores the biology of how the breast develops and functions to better understand how disease states occur, including lactation mastitis and breast cancer. Wendy’s research challenges old paradigms and explores new concepts in how the breast develops and functions to improve breast health across the life course.
Lisa Lahey
Lisa Lahey is a dedicated holistic family nurse practitioner with 28 years of experience specializing in maternal child health and myofunctional therapy. With 17 years in hospital settings focusing in the areas of neuroscience, labour and delivery, postpartum, NICU, and perinatal services. Lisa opened her own clinic 10 years ago which is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her expertise includes functional medicine, feeding therapy, infant massage, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and myofunctional therapy, allowing her to support her patients' babies to adults. Lisa is a contributing author to the book Tongue Tied and shares her knowledge through lectures in the US and internationally on topics related to lactation, feeding, and oral myofunctional therapy. Passionate about healthy families, Lisa continually enhances her skills through ongoing education and training.
Shel Banks
Shel Banks is an UK-based IBCLC, specialising in the unsettled baby with symptoms of colic, reflux, allergy and faltering weight. She also works in the NHS as well as working and volunteering for various national and international organisations in the world of infant feeding and early parenting. She was involved in 3 x infant feeding-focussed NICE Guidelines - including NG75 on Faltering weight in Infants and Young Children. In addition, Shel is clinical director for the mobile app - Anya, working to support improved pregnancy, parenting and infant feeding outcomes for families everywhere. Shel is currently undertaking her doctoral study on supporting parents of unsettled babies with colic, reflux and allergy, through the Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture (MAINN) Group at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), UK. She is the author of the book Why Formula Feeding Matters (2022).
Emma Pickett
First qualifying as a breastfeeding counsellor with the UK’s Association of Breastfeeding Mothers in 2007, and previously their chair for 9 years, Emma qualified as an IBCLC in 2011 and has written 4 books (You’ve Got It In You: A Positive Guide to Breastfeeding, The Breast Book, Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond, and Supporting the Transition From Breastfeeding). She volunteers as part of the training team for the UK National Breastfeeding Helpline and at groups in her local area in North London. Her private practice focuses on supporting breastfeeding families at all stages. Her podcast, “Makes Milk with Emma Pickett” has a regular focus on weaning alongside all aspects of the breastfeeding experience.
Maya Bolman
Maya Bolman was born and raised in Minsk, Belarus. She was certified as IBCLC in 2001 and currently works as a lactation consultant at Senders Pediatrics and Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio. Maya is well known internationally for her work promoting hand expression and breast massage to health professionals and parents. She recognizes that teaching these basic tools helps empower them to work through breastfeeding challenges including engorgement, plugged ducts, separation from the infant, and milk supply concerns. She has worked with Dr. Ann Witt to create an instructional video “The Basics of Breast Massage and Hand Expression” and conducted research on the effectiveness of Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation (TBML) both in the office and as a treatment at home for mothers. Maya Bolman is the proud owner of “BreastKindness”, LLC which is dedicated to empowering parents and consultants through education; supporting their goals; teaching simple and effective techniques.
Wendy Jones
Dr Wendy Jones is known for her work on providing a service on the compatibility of drugs in breastmilk and has been a registered breastfeeding supporter for 38 years. She is passionate that breastfeeding should be valued by all and that medication should not be a barrier. In her employed life she was a primary care pharmacist. Wendy left paid work 14 years ago to concentrate on writing her books and developing her website to provide information for mothers and professionals. Although threatening to retire, somehow she keeps getting involved in projects and she still enjoys supporting families and professionals. Wendy has published 4 books: Breastfeeding and Medication (2018), The Importance of Dads and Grandmas to the Breastfeeding Mother (2017), Why mother’s medication matters (2017), Breastfeeding and Chronic Medical Conditions (2020) and co-edited A Guide to Supporting Breastfeeding for the Medical Professional (2019). She has also written a lot of fact sheets on Breastfeeding and Medication on her website www.breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk. Wendy was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2018 for services to mothers and babies. She received her award at Windsor Castle in May 2019 from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. She has 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren all of whom were breastfed to term. They form a large part of her life together with her husband, horse and dogs.
Catherine Chamberlain
Professor Catherine Chamberlain is an Australian NHMRC Career Development Fellow and Professor of Indigenous Health at the Centre for Heath Equity, The University of Melbourne. She has worked in maternal health in remote, rural and urban settings over 25 years as a midwife and public health researcher. A descendant of the Trawlwoolway people (Tasmania), her current research project aims to co-design perinatal awareness, recognition, assessment and support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex childhood trauma.
Lisa Amir
Professor Lisa Amir is a general practitioner and lactation consultant. She works in breastfeeding medicine at The Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. She is a Principal Research Fellow at the Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Australia, and the Editor-in-Chief of the International Breastfeeding Journal.
Christy Jo Hendricks
Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC, is an international speaker, educator, inventor, and author. She has made a career of teaching lactation in ways that simplify learning. She has been awarded the US Presidential Volunteer Award for her community service, the Phyllis Klaus Founder's Award for her contribution to the mother/baby bond and the Above and Beyond Award for innovative projects that exemplify the mission of Public Health. She has also been named Lactation Educator Faculty of the Year from CAPPA and has earned their Visionary Award. Christy Jo created the Grow Our Own Lactation Consultant/IBCLC Prep Course which has been used to train hundreds of students to become Lactation Consultants. She resides with her family in California where she continues to serve her community as a Lactation Consultant, Health Educator for the Department of Public Health, doula and faculty for the CAPPA CLE© and Childbirth Educator Programs.
Catherine Watson Genna
Catherine Watson Genna is an IBCLC in private practice in New York City since 1992. She loves to teach, locally mentoring clinical interns and traveling to educate healthcare professionals around the world on assisting breastfeeding babies with anatomical, genetic or neurological problems. Catherine collaborates with Columbia University and Tel Aviv University Departments of Biomedical Engineering on research projects investigating the biomechanics of the lactating nipple and various aspects of sucking and swallowing in breastfeeding infants. She is the author of Selecting and Using Breastfeeding Tools: Improving Care and Outcomes and Supporting Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants as well as professional journal articles and chapters in the Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice and Breastfeeding and Human Lactation.
Tameka Jackson-Dyer
Tameka Jackson-Dyer is an IBCLC and community health worker whose passion is community outreach. She has been honing her counselling and clinical skills in WIC agencies, OB/Gyn offices and Baby Friendly hospitals throughout the metro Detroit area for almost 20 years. Her work with of Coffective and the EMU Center for Health Disparities, Innovations & Studies allows her to provide a voice for the populations who are historically underrepresented in conversations about breastfeeding support. She owns a private practice, Crazymilklady Lactation Support Services, LLC, serves as Chair of the Metro Detroit/ Wayne County Breastfeeding Coalition, is a co-founder of the Southeast Michigan IBCLC’s of Color (SEMI) and volunteers as a Sisterfriend mentor with the Detroit Birthing Project.
Gillian Opie
Dr Gillian Opie is a full-time neonatal paediatrician at the Mercy Hospital for Women in Heidelberg, Victoria and IBCLC for over 20 years. In 2011 she was instrumental in establishing the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank. Gillian has an active interest in clinical research. She is a member of the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study group, regularly contributes to lactation consultant education and is an editorial board member of the International Breastfeeding Journal.
Melody Jackson
Dr Melody Jackson (she/her) is a GP, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and an Adjunct Senior Clinical Lecturer (UNDS). She has completed a Master of Public Health, Diplomas of Child Health and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a Postgraduate Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies. This unique skill set drives her passion and expertise in the areas of breastfeeding medicine, maternal mental health and whole family wellbeing. She is the clinical director of Breastfeeding & Beyond in Bella Vista, Sydney, and also serves on the boards of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) and the Breastfeeding Medicine Network of Australia and New Zealand (BMNANZ).
Aimee Grant
Aimee Grant is an Autistic and Disabled researcher at Swansea University’s Centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translational Research. She is the principal investigator for a Wellcome Trust funded eight-year project Autism from menstruation to menopause, which is Autistic-led and co-governed by an Autistic Research Community Council. The project involves longitudinal qualitative participatory research with Autistic people focused on reproductive health and wellbeing. Aimee is the author of two qualitative research methods texts: Doing Your Research Project with Documents and Doing Excellent Social Research With Documents.
Trillitye Paullin
Dr Trill is a molecular biologist, inventor, and the founder of Free to Feed™, where she combines cutting-edge research with personal experience to empower families managing infant food allergies while breastfeeding. She leads multiple NSF- and Idaho Chamber-funded studies and holds the first U.S. patent for detecting dietary proteins in human milk. Her own journey began in 2015 when she navigated her daughter’s severe food allergies and realized there were no evidence-based tools to help. Out of that urgency, Free to Feed was born—now based in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park—offering education, clinical support, and an at-home allergen detection system. Dr Trill also brings over 20 years of leadership from her service in the Army National Guard, including a deployment to Iraq and numerous domestic emergency missions. She speaks regularly on maternal-infant health, immunology, and food allergy innovation and serves as chief science officer for Nova Vita Laboratories and Restore Biologics.
Melissa Cole
Melissa Cole is a board-certified lactation consultant, neonatal oral-motor assessment professional and clinical herbalist in private practice. Melissa is passionate about providing comprehensive, holistic lactation support and improving the level of clinical lactation skills for health professionals. She enjoys researching and writing, especially on topics such tongue tie and botanical medicine. Her bachelor’s degree is in maternal/child health and lactation and her master’s degree is in therapeutic herbalism. Before pursuing her current path, Melissa’s background was in education and cultural arts, which has served her well in her work as a lactation consultant and healthcare educator. She loves living, working and playing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her 3 children.
Nicole Gale
Dr Gale is a perinatal general practitioner and international board-certified lactation consultant who works exclusively in breastfeeding medicine and maternal/ infant health. She has undertaken further training in Newborn Behavioural Observation and Neuroprotective Developmental Care, having worked with families in this space for over a decade. She addresses complex perinatal, breastfeeding, and mental health concerns in consultations and believes in holistic and evidence-based care. She is passionate about health professional education and is deputy chair of the board of Breastfeeding Medicine Network Australia/NZ. She is currently opening ‘Juno - Maternal, Infant and Women’s Specialists’ a multidisciplinary medical clinic for women and families, in Melbourne, Australia.
Jessica Boyce
Dr Jessica Boyce is a speech pathologist and lecturer in Melbourne, Australia. She has clinical expertise working with infants and children born with cleft lip and/or palate. Her research has led to several scientific publications in this area, including the AMB Guidelines for Breastfeeding Infants with Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, or Cleft Lip and Palate.
Mariana Colmenares Castano
Dr Colmenares specialises in paediatrics and breastfeeding medicine. She has a special interest in tongue-tie assessment and division, and has had the opportunity to work with many challenging cases. She is a founding member of the Mexican organization of IBCLC’s, Asociacion de Consultores Certificados en Lactancia Materna de Mexico, ACCLAM and is also secretary of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. She coordinates a 280 hour online breastfeeding course for health-care professionals.
Kelly Durbin
Kelly M. Durbin is an IBCLC, childbirth educator, author, and volunteer breastfeeding counselor. She has co-authored original breastfeeding research on various topics, including access to lactation care, community breastfeeding support, telelactation, and community vulnerability. Her new book, Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding became available in June 2023. Kelly is the Curriculum Development Coordinator for Childbirth International. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Christine Staricka
Christine Staricka is an IBCLC and trained childbirth educator with over 22 years of lactation experience in the hospital and the community. She is the host of Evolve Lactation Community, a membership and coaching program for aspiring and new lactation consultants. Christine also hosts Evolve Lactation Podcast and writes a blog on Substack called Evolve Lactation. She is the facilitator of the first licensed Baby Café to open in California.
L. Avery Young
Avery Young is a passionate enthusiast about empowered feeding and is on a mission to help make feeding feel better. Over the last few years, she has been observing, studying and experimenting with engaging the reflexes that infants use when feeding, to help make the latching progress work better. This work has transformed her practice and her ability to make profound changes in the families she supports. She has a master's degree in Biology, a Master's Degree in Science Education and has been supporting feeding families for almost a decade.
Tim Hand
Dr Hand is associate professor of pediatrics and immunology and the director of the Gnotobiotic Animal core facility at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, he directs the Immunity to Bacterial Colonization Lab at UPMC Children’s Hospital. He has published over 35 research articles and scholarly reviews and was named the inaugural ‘Emerging Leader’ by the Society for Mucosal Immunology in 2022.
Sophie Mace
Dr Sophie Mace is a GP/LC who specialises in caring for pepi and their whanau throughout pregnancy and the early years of life. Alongside her medical qualifications, she is an IBCLC and is NDC accredited through the Possum’s Clinic (Aus) and has comprehensive training in maternal and infant mental health. She also has a special interest in neurodevelopmental conditions, especially ADHD in both children and their parents.
Ashley Robinson
Dr Robinson has been in private practice as an IBCLC for three years. She finished her training in 2020 while simultaneously completing her Doctorate of Public Health, concentrating on epidemiology and lactation. She is also a certified labor doula through the Childbirth and Postpartum Association (2022), a certified lactation educator through the Childbirth and Postpartum Association (2021), and an internationally certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (2019). In her private practice, she primarily focuses on lactation care for infants, specializing in tethered oral ties.
Dianne Cassidy
Dianne is an IBCLC, podcaster, author, lactation education manager and has been working with families since 2008. She has worked with thousands of families in all areas of their breast/chest feeding journey. Dianne teaches using her real-life experiences and case studies, which sets her apart in the lactation field providing a personalized and realistic experience for her audiences. Dianne’s evolution began as a clinical, patient-centred lactation consultant to a public speaker and educator, where she really shines. Her energy is contagious, and is felt by families, lactation consultants and birth workers alike.
Charlotte Lewis
Dr Lewis is currently professor of pediatrics at University of Washington School of Medicine and attending physician at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dr Lewis leads the Seattle Children’s Multidisciplinary Infant Nutrition and Feeding Team and attends in the Newborn and Progressive Care Nurseries at the University of Washington Medical Center, where she teaches, supervises trainees, and provides patient care.
Ilana Levene
Ilana Levene is a neonatal doctor working in Oxford, England. She recently completed a PhD at the University of Oxford exploring the dynamics of breastmilk expression after very preterm birth. Her research interests are lactation, neonatal nutrition and perinatal equity. She co-chairs an advocacy and knowledge-sharing organisation called the Hospital Infant Feeding Network. She was on the steering group of two Quality Improvement Toolkits on optimising maternal breastmilk after preterm birth, with the British Association for Perinatal Medicine.
Caoimhe Whelan
Caoimhe (Irish name pronounced “Keeva”!) is a private practice IBCLC who lives in Dublin. She qualified as an IBCLC in 2016 after following the "Pathway 1" route as a voluntary breastfeeding counsellor. Caoimhe has a special interest in how mothers experience breastfeeding, postpartum mental health, breastfeeding difficulties and low milk supply, and breastfeeding education. In 2023 she graduated from University College Dublin with an MSc by research, having undertaken a qualitative study on mother’s lived experiences of breastfeeding with primary low milk supply. The first paper from Caoimhe’s research was published in Breastfeeding Medicine in March 2024.
Jimi Francis
Dr Jimi Francis became an IBCLC in 1993. She completed a Master of Science degree in nutrition with a focus on infant nutrition at the University of Nevada in Reno and completed a doctoral degree in nutrition at the University of California in Davis. Jimi completed her Dietetics Internship through the University of Iowa with a Fellowship at the 96th Medical Group at Eglin Air Force Base. Currently, Dr Francis is an assistant professor at the University of Texas, San Antonio in the Dept of Kinesiology. She has a private practice as a lactation consultant/nutritionist and serves as a trainer for the Texas Dept of State Health Services Advanced Lactation Management Training for healthcare providers.
Ann Kellams
Dr Ann Kellams is board-certified in both pediatrics and breastfeeding and lactation medicine, and is an IBCLC and a professor of pediatrics. In 2006, Dr Kellams joined the UVA Department of Pediatrics faculty and became the medical director of the newborn service on the maternity unit. She is the founder and director of UVA’s Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine program. In 2018, Dr Kellams became the vice chair for Clinical Affairs for UVA’s Dept of Pediatrics. In 2022, she was inducted into the American Pediatric Society, and in 2023 she was in the first class of physicians to become certified by the North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine. She is the immediate past president of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.
Jill Rabin
Jill Rabin is a pediatric speech pathologist and IBCLC with a private practice in Chicago. She has been working with the 0-3-yr-old population since 1986. Her areas of specialty include facilitating breastfeeding in at-risk populations such as preterm infants, babies with tethered oral tissues and babies with Down syndrome, managing feeding aversion and using the Adapted Baby-Led Weaning Approach® to transition babies with feeding challenges to solids. She co-authored the book Your Baby Can Self-Feed, Too! with Gill Rapley in 2022. Jill lectures nationally and internationally as well as teaching live virtual classes for transitioning to solids to parents of babies. Jill co-moderates an international Zoom group for expectant, pumping and breastfeeding parents of babies with Down syndrome through Julia’s Way and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.
Kate Rassie
Dr Kate Rassie is a consultant endocrinologist at Monash Health and at Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Melbourne. She is also a final-year PhD candidate at Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University. Her doctoral thesis focuses on the relationships between maternal metabolic health and breastfeeding, with a focus on insulin-resistant conditions such as PCOS and diabetes. Clinically, she works in diabetes, obesity and metabolism; and across all aspects of female hormonal health and reproductive endocrinology (including menopause, PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhoea, menstrual mood disorders, bone health, weight management, and thyroid disease).
Kathryn Stagg
Kathryn is mum to four boys: twins and two subsequent singletons. She trained as a breastfeeding peer supporter and volunteered in the groups for years in and around Harrow, NW London, UK. Kathryn caught the breastfeeding support bug, first training as a breastfeeding counsellor with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and then as an IBCLC. Kathryn started Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets Facebook group 8 years ago and it now has over 10000 members. It has recently been made into a UK charity. Kathryn is passionate about delivering high-quality breastfeeding support to as many twin and triplet families as possible, creating resources and educating healthcare professionals and breastfeeding supporters. She runs a small private practice and continues to teach music part-time, her original career path.
Tanya van Aswegen
Tanya van Aswegen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with over 15 years of extensive experience in clinical and public health nutrition across diverse cultural landscapes, including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Tanya has also worked on a policy and advocacy level with esteemed organisations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organisation to improve nutrition and health outcomes for women and children at a country level. She holds a BSc Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master of Public Health degree and is currently working in private practice focussing on optimising early life nutrition and specifically supporting breastfed infants with food intolerances and allergies in both a clinical and research capacity.
Elizabeth C. Brooks
Liz Brooks is a lactation consultant in private practice (since 1999) and a lawyer (since 1983). Before opening her private practice as an IBCLC lactation consultant, Liz worked in the USA as a criminal prosecutor, child advocate, Congressional lobbyist, and federal litigator. Her legal expertise is in ethics, lobbying, administrative, criminal, and lactation-related law. Today, Liz offers private practice and hospital-based IBCLC care, teaches/lectures around the world, and has been used as a lactation expert witness in court cases. She knows the challenges faced each day by lactation consultants and healthcare providers! She served on the Board of Directors of the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA: President July 2012-14; Secretary July 2005-11), United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC)(Secretary 2014-16), and Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)(2015-19). She remained in leadership at USBC through 2021 (CRASH Committee, working for systemic organizational inclusion and equity, and Nominations Committee). Liz earlier worked as an Adjunct Professor in Drexel University's (Philadelphia, PA) LEAARC-approved Pathway 2 Human Lactation Consultation Program, teaching "Public Policy of Breastfeeding." She remains active in her Pennsylvania-based professional association, and breastfeeding coalition. Liz was designated Fellow of the International Lactation Consultant Association (FILCA) in 2008, the inaugural year for the program. Liz authored Legal and Ethical Issues for the IBCLC, published 2013 by Jones & Bartlett, and wrote or co-authored an ethics/legal chapter in each of four other lactation-related texts (Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Lactation Care; Breastfeeding and Human Lactation; Breastfeeding, Social Justice, and Equity and The Lactation Consultant in Private Practice).
Alison Sigal
Dr Alison Sigal graduated from McMaster University with an Honours degree in Kinesiology before attending the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She completed a hospital-based residency at Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto) before completing her Masters of Science Degree with specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and currently a certified specialist in pediatric dentistry. Dr Sigal established Little Bird Pediatric Dentistry in Milton, Ontario to provide comprehensive airway centric health care to children from birth onwards. She has dedicated her practice to the provision of this care, creating novel compromised airway assessment tools, surgical techniques for tongue and lip ties, and myofunctional protocols including Buteyko breathing for best patient outcomes and long-term retention. Dr Sigal developed her clinic’s medical record software, that features the largest on-going airway centric patient database globally to date with continual research integration, treatment evaluation, and evolution. Her career goal is for the provision of airway centric pediatric assessment and treatment to become standardized with universal protocols; assisting the evolution of pediatric anatomy textbooks, academic curriculums, and hospital/health care models. Dr. Sigal has been an invited speaker internationally, at many multi-disciplinary conferences, meetings, and symposiums, and is regarded as one of the leaders in pediatric airway centric health care.
Nicole Bando
Nicole is an advanced accredited practising dietitian and IBCLC who works in private practice. She has a special interest in early life feeding and evidence-based, sustainable nutrition to support optimal growth, that meets a family at their unique needs. Nicole has extensive community and national level advocacy experience, frequently commenting in the media (TV, radio, and print), and as a regular presenter to medical and allied health colleagues. As convenor of the Dietitians Australia Paediatric and Maternal Health Interest Group and Co-Convenor of the Nutrition & Breastfeeding Working Group, Nicole advocates for policy implementation that protects and promotes breastfeeding to support maternal and infant health.
Felicity Davis
Felicity trained as a pharmacist before embarking on a PhD in the field of breast cancer research at the University of Queensland (Australia). She subsequently trained at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH/NIEHS) in North Carolina as an NIH visiting fellow and in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge as an NHMRC CJ Martin Fellow. In these postdoctoral positions, Felicity developed projects to improve our understanding of breast development and lactation. In 2018, she was awarded an NHMRC Career Development Fellowship and project grant to start her independent research group. She now runs two labs in Australia and Denmark, with kind support from the NHMRC and Novo Nordisk Foundation, and with the overarching goal to improve our understanding of mothers’, women’s and babies’ health.
Naomi Dow
Naomi is a GP, senior clinical lecturer and IBCLC in private practice. She has a passion for evidence-based practice, which sparked her interest in the topic of thrush several years ago. Naomi lives in the North-East of Scotland with her husband and two children.
Heranush Hopkins
Heranush Hopkins is an IBCLC in private practice. She has dedicated over a decade to serve families in the communities where she has lived, in North and South America, Oceania and the Middle East. Heranush gives support in English and Spanish. She has a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences with a major in Integrated Human Health at Massey University and works on research neonatal health projects for the University of Auckland. She is involved in community development and educational activities. Heranush was inspired to help other families through her breastfeeding journey with her two beautiful children. Before becoming a parent, she worked in human resources and management in diverse global organisations including the Bahá’í World Centre.
Kate Roche
Kate is the clinical director at the National Tongue Tie Centre in Ireland and leads a team of therapists and lactation consultants to provide the highest quality of rehabilitative care to infants, children and adults with oral dysfunctions. She is a chartered physiotherapist, IBCLC and paediatric feeding therapist. Having trained at the University of Liverpool, she worked in both Leeds and Southampton, where she led and delivered the regional neonatal service for pre-term and high-risk infants before moving to Ireland. She is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and registered with CORU. Kate has travelled overseas many times over the years to complete further training in feeding therapy, orofacial myofunctional therapy and craniosacral therapy, and now lectures internationally.
Katherine R. Standish
Dr Standish is a fellowship-trained breastfeeding medicine specialist and researcher in the Department of Family Medicine at Boston University. She is co-founder of the Breastfeeding Equity Center at Boston Medical Center, which aims to increase equity in breastfeeding support and outcomes. Her research addresses breastfeeding services and interventions in socially marginalized and medically high-risk populations. She currently serves as chair of the Protocol Committee of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr Standish studied medicine at Yale University, completed residency training and a primary care academic fellowship at Boston Medical Center, earned an MS in Epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health, and completed a fellowship in breastfeeding and lactation medicine through the University of Rochester.
Daniela Karall
Dr Daniela Karall is a paediatrician with specialization in neonatology and paediatric intensive care, neuropediatrics and inherited metabolic disorders. She graduated from the Medical University of Innsbruck, where she works at the Clinic for Pediatrics. She has been working as an IBCLC since 2006. She teaches in neonatology, paediatrics and human lactation for both medical professionals and future lactation consultants in preparation for the international IBCLC exam. She is responsible for the service and care for inherited metabolic disorders in Western Austria. Daniela Karall is currently the president of the Austrian Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (ÖGKJ = “Österreichische Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde”). She is deputy director of the Clinic for Pediatrics I in Innsbruck. In clinical work, besides being responsible for the care of newborns, children, adolescents and adults with inherited metabolic disorders, she is also medical head of the institution’s human milk bank. She considers breast (milk) feeding in inherited metabolic disorders one of the main therapeutic interventions in these vulnerable infants.
Casey Rosen-Carole
Dr Rosen-Carole is chief of the Division of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine (BFLM) at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, USA. She trained at New York Medical College where she graduated with a joint MD/MPH degree, and completed a residency in Paediatrics at Yale Children's Hospital. She was a practicing community paediatrician and residency faculty from 2008-2014, in New Haven, CT (Yale University), then in New York's Hudson Valley (New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and Mt. Sinai School of Medicine) before relocating to Rochester to complete a fellowship in Breastfeeding Medicine and General Academic Paediatrics with Dr Ruth Lawrence. At this time, she completed a master's degree in education, which serves as the foundation for her current work educating healthcare providers in advanced care of lactating people. She is the fellowship director for the University of Rochester's Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine in-person fellowship, and for the LILAC fellowship, an online 2-year academic fellowship in BFLM. Her research focuses on education of healthcare providers in BFLM, implementation of best practices for lactation support, and the role of maternal stress in lactation. Dr Rosen-Carole was associate editor of Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession, 9th Ed. and will be co-editor for the 10th edition. She practices outpatient and inpatient Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine.
Marie Zahorick
Marie Zahorick became a La Leche League Leader in 1999 and an IBCLC in 2005. After several years of working as a hospital-based bilingual IBCLC, she attended nursing school and eventually became a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. In the meantime, she continued working as a hospital-based lactation consultant doing inpatient, outpatient, and Level III NICU lactation support at a variety of hospitals and with a wide variety of patient populations. After graduate school, Marie was recruited to work as a nurse practitioner in psychiatry. She was fellowship-trained to manage patients in the acute inpatient setting, partial hospitalization, outpatient office, and OB patients in the general hospital setting. She specializes in women’s psychiatry, especially medical management of women who are pregnant or lactating. Her expertise includes psychopharmacology in pregnant and lactating women as well as general psychopharmacology. She is experienced at diagnosing and treating mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, perinatal/postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, postpartum psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual and perimenopausal mood disorders, and personality disorders. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and they have three adult children.
Gretchen Becker Crabb
Gretchen Becker Crabb is an occupational therapist, licensed professional counselor, and endorsed infant mental health therapist. She is also a certified lactation counselor, La Leche League Leader, and Brazelton Newborn Observation (NBO) trainer. Gretchen owns and operates a private practice in Madison, Wisconsin and is mentor/faculty for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Infant, Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Capstone Program. For 24 years, she has provided developmental, trauma, feeding, and attachment support for tiny humans and their caregivers in birth to three, preschool, private practice, and peer group settings. Gretchen is an international speaker, reflective supervisor, and infant mental health consultant. In these roles, she offers compassionate, experiential, and reflective holding spaces for professionals. She is a proud military spouse and mother of three incredible boys.
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