The estrobolome is a collection of influential bacteria, fungi, and viruses (part of the microbiome) in the gut that impact estrogen release and hormonal function. This delicate balance of bacteria has a significant impact on estrogen creation. This influences the operation of the reproductive system, regulation of body fat, brain function, and cardiovascular and bone health. The estrobolome also plays a major role in the health and function of the mammary gland. As much as we know about the microbiome, not enough attention has been paid to the relationship of the estrobolome and lactation success. Gut dysbiosis is now recognized as playing a role in a baby’s food sensitivities and allergies, but it is now time to look at the microbiome’s impact on lactation itself and the the long-term health of the mammary gland regarding breast cancer. This presentation addresses what we know now about the estrobolome, how it functions, it’s relationship with reproductive organs, potential impacts on the mammary function, and how we can create positive change in the gut for optimal estrobolome performance. 1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: I, II, III, IV)
“The dynamic and intricate coordination between sucking, swallowing and breathing, superimposed on a background of the infant's behavioral state make infant feeding a complicated, multidimensional task” (Wolf & Glass, 1992). In addition, a foundation of physiologic, motor and state stability, is needed for successful feeding. A breakdown in any one of these components will negatively affect feeding. This presentation will examine the elements of successful feeding, with a particular focus on the importance of suck-swallow-breathe (SSB) coordination. Case studies will be used to illustrate how SSB can be disrupted due to underlying medical conditions such as cardiac disease or airway obstruction. 1 L Cerp (I, II, III)
Nipple conditions in breastfeeding are a frequent presentation in clinical practice. Being able to identify common issues and being aware of the less typical problems can help support the breastfeeding mother. Whilst providing lactation support is essential, some conditions require medical practitioner input. Knowing when to refer and who to refer patients to can help support continued breastfeeding.
0.75 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: I, II, III, VII)
Chinese immigrant mothers face additional barriers to breastfeeding. Providing effective breastfeeding support to Chinese immigrant mothers requires an understanding of the broader social and cultural drivers influencing their breastfeeding practices. Konsita will present the findings from her PhD about the current breastfeeding trends among Chinese Australian mothers, key factors influencing their feeding practices and insights on culturally specific strategies to better support Chinese Australian mothers to breastfeed.
1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: V)
With the rise of the digital era, it was only a matter of time before technology would place a strategic eye on women/people with breasts and uteri. FemTech means anything and everything that involves the technology, diagnostics, software, and services involving menstruation, fertility, adoption, pregnancy, fertility, or womyn’s health. The industry is approaching a $100 Billion market per year. This exploding area of digitized health support has many celebrating, however, just as many people worry about issues such as privacy and surveillance. There are also more profound questions involving intersectionality, equitable access, and exploitation of segments of the population that FemTech can take advantage of or leave out altogether. Join Laurel Wilson, lactivist and avid research reviewer, on this journey through some of the current lactation and perinatal FemTech available, and implications in the world of lactation.
1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: V, VI)
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been increasingly used in lactation in Germany, Austria and a few other countries. Lactation health professionals in hospitals and private practice value LLLT as an extremely effective treatment whenever accelerated wound healing, pain relief, reduction of inflammation and swelling is required. It is especially beneficial in accelerate the healing process of nipple trauma and mastitis. Gabi will share her experience with this effective treatment, explore indications and applications in lactation and present case studies. She will provide us with an insight into the therapeutic and physiological effects of LLLT and explore current research evidence. 1 L Cerp (III, II, IV, VII)
Anita Bearzatto
Anita is a GGP 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.
Laurel Wilson
Laurel is an author, international keynote speaker, and pregnancy and lactation specialist. She loves to blend today’s recent scientific findings with the mind/body/spirit wisdom. She owns MotherJourney, focusing on training perinatal professionals on integrative and holistic information regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Wilson is the co-author of two books - The Attachment Pregnancy and The Greatest Pregnancy Ever and contributing author to Round the Circle: Doulas Talk About Themselves. She served as the Executive Director of Lactation Programs for CAPPA for 16 years and now is on the Senior Advisor Board.
Katherine Ong
Katherine is a speech pathologist with many years of experience at the Royal Children's Hospital and the Royal Women's Hospital, working with infants & children with complex medical and neuro-developmental disorders. She has a particular interest in feeding refusal / oral aversion, and helping parents to understand their child's feeding difficulties. Katherine has had a long-standing interest in supporting pre-term and sick babies to breastfeed. She passed her IBCLC exam in 2020.
Konsita Kuswara
Dr Kuswara is a research translation coordinator at the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (CRE EPOCH-Translate), at the University of Sydney where she leads the dissemination and translation of research to policy and practice. Dr Kuswara completed her PhD at Deakin University on understanding the breastfeeding experiences and influencing factors among Chinese Australian mothers. She has a background in dietetics and health promotion.
Gabi Eckereder
Gabi Eckereder is an IBCLC and a registered midwife. She is practising as a lactation consultant in her private practise Mumsmilk in Melbourne. Gabi has been using Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) successfully for more than 10 years where accelerated wound healing, including analgesic effect, anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous effect, is required eg. nipple trauma, mastitis.