Lactation in Action - Sydney

Human milk is known to be a pathway towards long-term health for both parent and child. The specific mechanisms for how this communication works have been studied, and today many researchers believe that messenger RNAs and stem cells contribute in many ways to appropriate developmental pathways for the baby and cause gene activation that promotes health for life. mRNA in human milk can also be influenced by the time of day and even the timing of the baby’s delivery, becoming adaptive for the baby’s unique needs. Not only do these messenger RNA communicate important genetic information to the baby via human milk, changes in the parent’s body via mRNA occur during lactation responding to a new “mothering” focus during the period of lactation. This may impact the parent’s postpartum mental states, adaptation to stress, and changes in fatty acids. This presentation highlights some of the fascinating studies that demonstrate the myriad of ways that stem cells and mRNA during lactation become the ultimate communicators, affecting change for years to come.

1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: I, II, III)

Nipple pain affects 95% of breastfeeding women and approx one third experience macroscopic trauma. Nipple pain is a common reason for breastfeeding cessation, and so early, aggressive assessment and management is important. Nipple candidiasis is commonly diagnosed clinically as a cause of nipple pain in the absence of macroscopic trauma. Treatment with topical (and often oral) antifungals is frequently started empirically without swab culture confirmation of the diagnosis. Nipple vasospasm has similar symptoms to those frequently diagnosed as nipple candidiasis and should be addressed in the assessment and treatment of nipple trauma. 1 L Cerp (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

The topic covers where dentistry and breastfeeding intersect; dental health while pregnant and breastfeeding for mother and infant.

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Increase knowledge and confidence in caring for breastfeeding dyads dental health
• Counter common myths about teeth, caries (dental decay), dental care and orofacial development
• Understand the safety of dental procedures and medications while breastfeeding

1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: I, II, III, IV, VII)

• I Development and Nutrition
• II Physiology & Endocrinology
• III Pathology
• IV Pharmacology & Toxicology
• VII Clinical Skills

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)

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)

• I Development and Nutrition
• II Physiology & Endocrinology
• IV Pharmacology & Toxicology
• V Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology
• VI Techniques
• VII Clinical Skills

Who hasn’t heard of the microbiome lately? New research suggests that the microbiome plays an important role in our gut health, communication between the gut-brain axis, mood stability, even cardiac health. This session focuses on how humans seed the gut microbiome during the critical thousand days of a baby’s life and why human milk plays such a vital role in creating a healthy gut and ultimately positive long-term health outcomes.

1 L Cerp (IBLCE Content Outline: I, II, III, IV)