From Assessment to Action: Clinical Reasoning for Complex Lactation and Infant Feeding Challenges

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: III, VII

III Pathology
VII Clinical Skills

Concerns about low milk production can be frustrating for parents and clinicians alike. There are many reasons milk production can be compromised. How can lactation and health professionals best assess the root causes of the production issue at hand and suggest targeted, sustainable ideas? This presentation will help clinicians think about the ‘detective work’ needed to help provide personalized care. Through interactive case studies, participants will critically-think about assessment and care plan strategies for the families in their care that are struggling with low milk production.

Is it a tongue tie? What else could be going on? Having a deeper understanding of the orofacial complex and functional oral motor patterns can help take your assessment techniques to the next level. Curious about jaws, tongues, palates, oral tone, suck patterns, and more? This presentation will focus on understanding the finer details and the bigger picture when it comes to infant oral assessment. We will cover the basics of infant oral anatomy, assessment techniques and optimal vs suboptimal movement, strength, and sucking patterns.

Do herbs help support healthy lactation for some? How can we approach galactagogues for lactating parents in an individualized way? How can clinicians evaluate evidence and determine safety regarding galactagogues?

Herbs have been used throughout history to nourish the postpartum parent and enhance lactation. Today over 80% of the global population use plant medicines in postpartum and infant care. Parents coping with milk supply concerns are often desperate to ‘try anything’ that might help. As a clinician, you play an essential role in helping families understand the risks and benefits of herbs during lactation. By identifying meaningful resources and reliable information around galactagogues, health professionals empower families to make safe, informed choices. Beyond Fenugreek critically examines the use of herbal galactagogues to support lactation and postpartum mood concerns. This module focuses on the foundational need for individualized support when it comes to galactagogue discussion and selection.

IBLCE Content Outline: IV, VII
IV. Pharmacology & Toxicology
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: I, III, IV, V, VII