Topics & Abstracts

Many families with nursing babies will experience parental breakups, divorce, and custody negotiations. The lactation professional is often called upon to provide information, support, and advocacy, including legal support, throughout this process. This presentation will give the provider the information they need to care for the family ethically during this difficult transition, including scope of practice, boundaries, and provider bias.

Objectives:

1:Describe the learner's own bias and set appropriate boundaries with clients going through custody situations.
2:Explain how to handle requests for advocacy and learn how to write a letter of support.
3:Define ways to support the family as custody and visitation changes impact the nursing relationship.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 28, 2025

Create a Reminder

28-04-2025 17:00 28-04-2025 18:00 35 A New Normal: Lactation Through Divorce and Custody Many families with nursing babies will experience parental breakups, divorce, and custody negotiations. The lactation professional is often called upon to provide information, support, and advocacy, including legal support, throughout this process. This presentation will give the provider the information they need to care for the family ethically during this difficult transition, including scope of practice, boundaries, and provider bias. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

The neurodivergent experience encompasses multiple developmental, sensory, cognitive, and social differences. Given that approximately 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent, it's essential for lactation clinicians to possess diverse assessment skills. Transitioning from a specialized niche within lactation care to a robust and rapidly expanding domain in the profession, neurodivergent affirming care is crucial to a comprehensive clinical practice.

Despite its clinical usefulness, the traditional exam approach lacks numerous pertinent assessment points crucial for effectively supporting neurodivergent clients. This gap in the assessment process extends into the clinical decision-making plan, creating potential challenges and limitations for providing aligned and effective support for neurodivergent parents. These issues emphasize the necessity of adopting a neurodivergent-informed approach to lactation exams and assessments as a standard of care.

This presentation aims to equip lactation clinicians for the evolving landscape of lactation care, where incorporating neurodivergent-informed approaches becomes the standard of care. To do that, we’ll delve into the clinical complexities of the comprehensive intake, assessment, and exam all within the context of the neurodivergent lactation experience.

Objectives:

1:Explain and implement improvements to existing clinical lactation intake forms to enhance inclusivity and accessibility within the intake process.
2:Define and apply inclusive evaluation criteria toward clinical exam points that accurately reflect the diverse range of sensory, musculoskeletal, and executive function experiences within this population.
3: Describe the complexities related to sensory sensitivities, pain expression, and the potential misalignment between standard pain assessments and the neurodivergent experience.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 29, 2025

Create a Reminder

29-04-2025 23:00 30-04-2025 00:00 35 Neurodivergence-informed Assessment Skills for the Contemporary Lactation Clinician The neurodivergent experience encompasses multiple developmental, sensory, cognitive, and social differences. Given that approximately 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent, it's essential for lactation clinicians to possess diverse assessment skills. Transitioning from a specialized niche within lactation care to a robust and rapidly expanding domain in the profession, neurodivergent affirming care is crucial to a comprehensive clinical practice. Despite its clinical usefulness, the traditional exam approach lacks numerous pertinent assessment points crucial for effectively supporting neurodivergent clients. This gap in the assessment process extends into the clinical decision-making plan, creating potential challenges and limitations for providing aligned and effective support for neurodivergent parents. These issues emphasize the necessity of adopting a neurodivergent-informed approach to lactation exams and assessments as a standard of care. This presentation aims to equip lactation clinicians for the evolving landscape of lactation care, where incorporating neurodivergent-informed approaches becomes the standard of care. To do that, we’ll delve into the clinical complexities of the comprehensive intake, assessment, and exam all within the context of the neurodivergent lactation experience. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

This presentation highlights the success stories of lactating parents who effectively breastfed their babies, despite physical anomalies of their breasts, areola & nipples, caused by various dermatological disorders, illnesses, or injuries. Changes in the landscape of the breast during lactation can be caused by several skin conditions resulting from infections, inflammations, autoimmune disorders, medications, burn injury, and post-surgical complications to malignancies.

These dermatoses can present with erythematous, cracked, pruritic, or painful nipples, breast scarring/ puckering, swelling, rashes, vesicles, and changes in breast shape and size. The spectrum of cases that will be discussed includes Varicella, Tinea corporis, eczemas, neurofibromatosis, burns, vitiligo, hyperkeratosis, and breast cancer. This presentation emphasizes the fact that the appearance of the breast is not a deterrent to successful breastfeeding. The mother’s strong willpower coupled with the support of lactation professionals and appropriate management by the medical team will help to overcome challenges.

Objectives:

1:Describe examples of maternal dermatological conditions that could impact breastfeeding and when to seek medical advice.
2:Explain management approaches that are considered effective and safe for the mother and infant in such cases.
3Define how to support parents with this physical and mental trauma to breastfeed effectively in these situations.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 15, 2025

Create a Reminder

15-04-2025 13:00 15-04-2025 14:00 35 Anomalies in Breast Appearance: Not a Barrier to Breastfeeding This presentation highlights the success stories of lactating parents who effectively breastfed their babies, despite physical anomalies of their breasts, areola & nipples, caused by various dermatological disorders, illnesses, or injuries. Changes in the landscape of the breast during lactation can be caused by several skin conditions resulting from infections, inflammations, autoimmune disorders, medications, burn injury, and post-surgical complications to malignancies. These dermatoses can present with erythematous, cracked, pruritic, or painful nipples, breast scarring/ puckering, swelling, rashes, vesicles, and changes in breast shape and size. The spectrum of cases that will be discussed includes Varicella, Tinea corporis, eczemas, neurofibromatosis, burns, vitiligo, hyperkeratosis, and breast cancer. This presentation emphasizes the fact that the appearance of the breast is not a deterrent to successful breastfeeding. The mother’s strong willpower coupled with the support of lactation professionals and appropriate management by the medical team will help to overcome challenges. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Helping new families make sense of how breastfeeding is established, and what a baby's behaviours mean, is one of the primary roles of Lactation Consultants. Looking back at what life was like for our ancestors can explain what needs to happen to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Recent neurophysiological research has shed light on profound and enduring adaptations of the maternal brain following childbirth. Both the method of birth and infant feeding interact with how a mother's brain adapts to post natal life. Breastfeeding is ancient and the adaptations humans evolved to ensure our survival don't always interact well with modern lives. This talk explores how we can prevent and solve breastfeeding problems by considering how early humans survived.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 7, 2025

Create a Reminder

07-04-2025 21:00 07-04-2025 22:00 35 Breastfeeding and the Maternal Brain: Lessons From Our Ancestral Past Helping new families make sense of how breastfeeding is established, and what a baby's behaviours mean, is one of the primary roles of Lactation Consultants. Looking back at what life was like for our ancestors can explain what needs to happen to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Recent neurophysiological research has shed light on profound and enduring adaptations of the maternal brain following childbirth. Both the method of birth and infant feeding interact with how a mother's brain adapts to post natal life. Breastfeeding is ancient and the adaptations humans evolved to ensure our survival don't always interact well with modern lives. This talk explores how we can prevent and solve breastfeeding problems by considering how early humans survived. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Refugee mothers are vulnerable to cultural stereotyping and socioeconomic hardships when they migrate to a new country. This vulnerability often has a negative impact on refugee mothers’ breastfeeding practices, related to social, emotional, psychological, and physical stressors. Refugee mothers seeking refuge in high-income countries face a range of breastfeeding barriers that need attention.

To explore the range of factors that impede breastfeeding practices of refugee mothers accessing and utilizing healthcare services of a high-income country (Canada), a critical ethnographic study was undertaken in Saskatchewan which is one of the growing provinces in Canada. After seeking ethics approval, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 27 refugee mothers with young children of age range 1 day to 24 months. Data were also gathered through observations of breastfeeding services in healthcare settings and a review of the websites of the healthcare settings in Saskatchewan. Learn about the findings of this study and practical suggestions for helping refugee mothers in your community.

Objectives:

1:Describe the state of vulnerability of refugee mothers with young child
2:List breastfeeding challenges of refugee mothers in the Canadian context
3:Explain recommendations and breastfeeding-friendly initiatives to promote, protect and support breastfeeding practices of refugee mothers

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 29, 2025

Create a Reminder

29-04-2025 19:00 29-04-2025 20:00 35 Breastfeeding Barriers & Needed Supports: Helping Refugee Mothers Seeking Refuge in High-Income Countries Refugee mothers are vulnerable to cultural stereotyping and socioeconomic hardships when they migrate to a new country. This vulnerability often has a negative impact on refugee mothers’ breastfeeding practices, related to social, emotional, psychological, and physical stressors. Refugee mothers seeking refuge in high-income countries face a range of breastfeeding barriers that need attention. To explore the range of factors that impede breastfeeding practices of refugee mothers accessing and utilizing healthcare services of a high-income country (Canada), a critical ethnographic study was undertaken in Saskatchewan which is one of the growing provinces in Canada. After seeking ethics approval, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 27 refugee mothers with young children of age range 1 day to 24 months. Data were also gathered through observations of breastfeeding services in healthcare settings and a review of the websites of the healthcare settings in Saskatchewan. Learn about the findings of this study and practical suggestions for helping refugee mothers in your community. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Recently we have observed an increase in tongue-tie diagnosis and tongue-tie procedures which, by itself, may not always solve the problem. So, what do we do when releasing a tongue-tie doesn't result in improved breastfeeding?

A tongue tie directly impacts the possibility of breastfeeding. The tongue is one of the most important organs involved in suckling abilities, and when the tongue is restricted, it may affect the ability to latch to the breast, the ability to transfer milk, cause discomfort, plugged ducts, among other symptoms. However there are also other contributing factors that may impact and sometimes are not addressed adequately. Using clinical case studies, this presentation will look at strategies for managing clinical issues that may happen concurrently with tongue-tie such as suckling disorganization, nipple-bottle confusion, breast anatomy and mental health.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 22, 2025

Create a Reminder

22-04-2025 15:00 22-04-2025 16:00 35 Clinical Case Studies: When Tongue-Tie Release Is Not the Whole Solution Recently we have observed an increase in tongue-tie diagnosis and tongue-tie procedures which, by itself, may not always solve the problem. So, what do we do when releasing a tongue-tie doesn't result in improved breastfeeding? A tongue tie directly impacts the possibility of breastfeeding. The tongue is one of the most important organs involved in suckling abilities, and when the tongue is restricted, it may affect the ability to latch to the breast, the ability to transfer milk, cause discomfort, plugged ducts, among other symptoms. However there are also other contributing factors that may impact and sometimes are not addressed adequately. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Breastfeeding is an indispensable step in infant development and meets a variety of needs, including infant sensory, motor, and psychoemotional development. Unfortunately, many families experience difficulties in weaning, despite it being an essential stage in both child's and caregivers’ lives. However, successful weaning may be achieved much easier and faster if the sensory component is considered. Life without sucking is a new era for a child, requiring a new skill set.

It is widely accepted that learning a new skill is impossible without appropriate motivation. In case of weaning, such motivation stems from the positive emotions that arise during the activities that are appropriate for the child. If the baby enjoys the activities, their need for sucking decreases, and they can regulate their condition and meet their needs in other ways, without breastfeeding. The specialist’s role in this process lies in selecting optimal activities suitable for both the child and the caregivers. Thus, the specialist enables weaning to become an exciting and developing process for everyone involved.

Objectives:

1:Describe the role of breastfeeding as a sensory process.
2:Explain the role of breastfeeding as a stage for child’s self-development.
3:Define the concept of Developmental Weaning.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 8, 2025

Create a Reminder

08-04-2025 13:00 08-04-2025 14:00 35 Developmental Weaning: A Sensory Approach to a Routine Process Breastfeeding is an indispensable step in infant development and meets a variety of needs, including infant sensory, motor, and psychoemotional development. Unfortunately, many families experience difficulties in weaning, despite it being an essential stage in both child's and caregivers’ lives. However, successful weaning may be achieved much easier and faster if the sensory component is considered. Life without sucking is a new era for a child, requiring a new skill set. It is widely accepted that learning a new skill is impossible without appropriate motivation. In case of weaning, such motivation stems from the positive emotions that arise during the activities that are appropriate for the child. If the baby enjoys the activities, their need for sucking decreases, and they can regulate their condition and meet their needs in other ways, without breastfeeding. The specialist’s role in this process lies in selecting optimal activities suitable for both the child and the caregivers. Thus, the specialist enables weaning to become an exciting and developing process for everyone involved. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

The tongue has an essential role in breastfeeding – to stay attached to the breast, to create negative pressure, to remove milk from the breast, and to initiate swallowing. The anatomy of the tongue and its suspension within the head shows a complex structure which enables the tongue to execute the variety of three-dimensional movements and shapes needed during breastfeeding.

The biomechanics of the tongue as a muscular hydrostat is unique in the body and makes these movements possible. Some implications of anatomy and biomechanics of the tongue will be discussed for breastfeeding, artificial nipples, at breast supplementation including photos, videos, and the resulting weight curves from selected cases.

Objectives:

1:Explain the difference between skeletal muscles and the tongue as a muscular hydrostat.
2:Describe the basic anatomy of the tongue body and its suspension within the head.
3:Explain how different shapes and movements are created in the tongue during breastfeeding.
4:Describe the basic anatomy of the tongue body and its suspension within the head.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 22, 2025

Create a Reminder

22-04-2025 13:00 22-04-2025 14:00 35 From Anatomy to Function: The Biomechanics of the Tongue and Its Influence on Breastfeeding The tongue has an essential role in breastfeeding – to stay attached to the breast, to create negative pressure, to remove milk from the breast, and to initiate swallowing. The anatomy of the tongue and its suspension within the head shows a complex structure which enables the tongue to execute the variety of three-dimensional movements and shapes needed during breastfeeding. The biomechanics of the tongue as a muscular hydrostat is unique in the body and makes these movements possible. Some implications of anatomy and biomechanics of the tongue will be discussed for breastfeeding, artificial nipples, at breast supplementation including photos, videos, and the resulting weight curves from selected cases. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Recent research and protocols have shown significant benefits to postnatal milk supply in people who practice hand expression in pregnancy and the early postpartum period. However, what is the cost of this practice to birthing people, and is there an approach during pregnancy that can support the physical and mental health of pregnant people while also cultivating a more abundant milk supply?

Elizabeth will connect case studies and research from an Indigenous lens to explore the way the current emphasis on prenatal colostrum collection mirrors destructive fracking, treating the body as an extractive resource rather than stewardship of a harmonious ecosystem. She will then explore how care providers can use a relationship-based ecological approach with clients and their bodies starting in pregnancy, as well as the benefits that providers and clients often experience from this approach. When lactation professionals can guide clients to be in good relationship with their body, we see the milk supply benefits of prenatal stimulation without the anxiety and pressure associated with prenatal colostrum collection.

Objectives:

1:Explain how lactation is an ecosystem.
2:List risks of prenatal colostrum collection when the focus is only on quantity/extraction.
3:Describe skills to guide pregnant clients in understanding their mammary landscape, build relationships with their bodies, and steward a thriving and abundant milk supply from pregnancy through the immediate postpartum period.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 15, 2025

Create a Reminder

15-04-2025 15:00 15-04-2025 16:00 35 From Extraction to Stewardship: Rethinking Prenatal Colostrum Collection Recent research and protocols have shown significant benefits to postnatal milk supply in people who practice hand expression in pregnancy and the early postpartum period. However, what is the cost of this practice to birthing people, and is there an approach during pregnancy that can support the physical and mental health of pregnant people while also cultivating a more abundant milk supply? Elizabeth will connect case studies and research from an Indigenous lens to explore the way the current emphasis on prenatal colostrum collection mirrors destructive fracking, treating the body as an extractive resource rather than stewardship of a harmonious ecosystem. She will then explore how care providers can use a relationship-based ecological approach with clients and their bodies starting in pregnancy, as well as the benefits that providers and clients often experience from this approach. When lactation professionals can guide clients to be in good relationship with their body, we see the milk supply benefits of prenatal stimulation without the anxiety and pressure associated with prenatal colostrum collection. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

When a parent is not producing enough milk for their child, supplementation with donor human milk or infant formula is medically necessary to meet the infant’s nutritional needs for growth and development. Within the lactation profession, a narrative has become the norm that supplementation with donor human milk or infant formula has an intense impact on the infant’s microbiome and can lead to long term negative health outcomes. Current research suggests that this is not entirely the case. In this presentation, the Learner will gain evidence-based information on the infant gut microbiome and how raw human milk has the ability to protect the infant microbiome despite supplementation with formula or human donor milk. Additionally, the presentation will discuss two specific studies that break down the differences in microbial diversity in preterm infants and term infants with different feeding methods. By the end of the presentation, the Learner will be able to effectively communicate with clients/patients regarding topic of gut microbiome when supplementing.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 8, 2025

Create a Reminder

08-04-2025 17:00 08-04-2025 18:00 35 I Like Baby Guts and I Cannot Lie: How Human Milk Shapes the Infant Gut Microbiome When a parent is not producing enough milk for their child, supplementation with donor human milk or infant formula is medically necessary to meet the infant’s nutritional needs for growth and development. Within the lactation profession, a narrative has become the norm that supplementation with donor human milk or infant formula has an intense impact on the infant’s microbiome and can lead to long term negative health outcomes. Current research suggests that this is not entirely the case. In this presentation, the Learner will gain evidence-based information on the infant gut microbiome and how raw human milk has the ability to protect the infant microbiome despite supplementation with formula or human donor milk. Additionally, the presentation will discuss two specific studies that break down the differences in microbial diversity in preterm infants and term infants with different feeding methods. By the end of the presentation, the Learner will be able to effectively communicate with clients/patients regarding topic of gut microbiome when supplementing. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Breast milk expression can provide milk removal in place of or in conjunction with an infant that is not exclusively breastfeeding. Although milk expression strategies are well established for premature infants, no guidelines for milk expression are available for mothers of full-term infants who are not exclusively breastfeeding.

Breast pump technology continues to develop, yet there is little education available for clinicians and mothers regarding how to best use this technology. This presentation looks at a research study that was undertaken to examine what information, guidelines, and strategies are available. Learn more about the results of this study, the recurring concepts identified, and how you can better support mothers of full-term infants who are expressing their milk.

Objectives:

1:Describe mothers’ perspectives about breast milk expression.
2:Explain the information needs of mothers who express breastmilk.
3:List different technologies related to breast pumps.
4:Explain strategies that best support breast milk expression for mothers of full-term infants.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 22, 2025

Create a Reminder

22-04-2025 17:00 22-04-2025 18:00 35 Information, Guidelines, and Strategies About Breast Milk Expression: A Scoping Review of the Evidence Breast milk expression can provide milk removal in place of or in conjunction with an infant that is not exclusively breastfeeding. Although milk expression strategies are well established for premature infants, no guidelines for milk expression are available for mothers of full-term infants who are not exclusively breastfeeding. Breast pump technology continues to develop, yet there is little education available for clinicians and mothers regarding how to best use this technology. This presentation looks at a research study that was undertaken to examine what information, guidelines, and strategies are available. Learn more about the results of this study, the recurring concepts identified, and how you can better support mothers of full-term infants who are expressing their milk. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading to menopause, and lactation during this period presents unique complexities and implications that require further research. This Presentation will look at the relationship between lactation and perimenopause, focusing on the physiological and hormonal changes that occur during this phase. It will explore the possible  impact of perimenopause on lactation, including challenges in milk production and hormonal fluctuations. It will also look at what the implications of lactation during perimenopause are on maternal health, specifically mental health and hormonal balance. The presentation will look at  the challenges women face in managing breastfeeding during perimenopause, considering the physical and emotional changes associated with this stage.

Although more research is needed to better understand the relationship between lactation and perimenopause, by looking at what is currently known about the physiological, hormonal, and psychosocial aspects of this unique phase, we can begin to provide  support for women in managing their reproductive health and well-being during this transitional stage while navigating breastfeeding.

Objectives:

1. Describe the physiological and hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause and how they affect lactation. 2. List the challenges women may face in managing breastfeeding during perimenopause, in light of the physical and emotional changes associated with this stage. 3. Explain the implications on lactation during perimenopause on maternal health, specifically mental health and hormonal balance and how we can guide them through this transition. 

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 7, 2025

Create a Reminder

07-04-2025 15:00 07-04-2025 16:00 35 Lactation and Perimenopause: Exploring the Complexities and Implications Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading to menopause, and lactation during this period presents unique complexities and implications that require further research. This Presentation will look at the relationship between lactation and perimenopause, focusing on the physiological and hormonal changes that occur during this phase. It will explore the possible  impact of perimenopause on lactation, including challenges in milk production and hormonal fluctuations. It will also look at what the implications of lactation during perimenopause are on maternal health, specifically mental health and hormonal balance. The presentation will look at  the challenges women face in managing breastfeeding during perimenopause, considering the physical and emotional changes associated with this stage. Although more research is needed to better understand the relationship between lactation and perimenopause, by looking at what is currently known about the physiological, hormonal, and psychosocial aspects of this unique phase, we can begin to provide  support for women in managing their reproductive health and well-being during this transitional stage while navigating breastfeeding. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Human milk is a renewable and sustainable resource that is not considered in any country's Gross National Product (GNP) nor Gross Domestic Product (GDP). If something isn't seen by policy makers, it isn't valued. It becomes invisible.

Research shows us that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic disease, thus saving healthcare dollars. Breastfeeding should "be considered a carbon offset in global financing arrangements for sustainable food, health and economic systems." However, cost savings never show up in budgets. How do we make the invisible visible? One way is for breastfeeding activists to speak the language of economics and money.

We can use simple math to calculate the value of human milk. That figure can be used locally, in counties and provinces, regions and states, and in countries. Breastfeeding advocates can speak in the language of currency, to attract the attention of legislators and policy makers.

This presentation will flip the economic discourse to show how much commercial milk formula costs, and to demonstrate how to use simple math, (using the current price of an ounce of banked donor milk and local breastfeeding statistics) to come up with a figure that represents the value of one of the world's most valuable resources, human milk.

Objectives:

1:Describe a simple mathematical calculation to identify the value of human milk in their community.
2:Describe two sources of breastfeeding statistics in their region.
3:List three benefits of breastfeeding for each: the birthgiver, the baby and the environment.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 15, 2025

Create a Reminder

15-04-2025 17:00 15-04-2025 18:00 35 Lactation by the Numbers: Calculating the Value of Human Milk Human milk is a renewable and sustainable resource that is not considered in any country's Gross National Product (GNP) nor Gross Domestic Product (GDP). If something isn't seen by policy makers, it isn't valued. It becomes invisible. Research shows us that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic disease, thus saving healthcare dollars. Breastfeeding should "be considered a carbon offset in global financing arrangements for sustainable food, health and economic systems." However, cost savings never show up in budgets. How do we make the invisible visible? One way is for breastfeeding activists to speak the language of economics and money. We can use simple math to calculate the value of human milk. That figure can be used locally, in counties and provinces, regions and states, and in countries. Breastfeeding advocates can speak in the language of currency, to attract the attention of legislators and policy makers. This presentation will flip the economic discourse to show how much commercial milk formula costs, and to demonstrate how to use simple math, (using the current price of an ounce of banked donor milk and local breastfeeding statistics) to come up with a figure that represents the value of one of the world's most valuable resources, human milk. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based approach to behaviour change that requires the clinician to engage with their client as an equal partner. It's a useful communication technique for care providers but it requires skill, time and practice. This interactive lecture will focus on the basic principles of motivational interviewing as a method for improving communication with clients. We will explore practical applications of this technique for the lactation professional, during goal setting and client education.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 7, 2025

Create a Reminder

07-04-2025 17:00 07-04-2025 18:00 35 Motivational Interviewing in Breastfeeding Care Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based approach to behaviour change that requires the clinician to engage with their client as an equal partner. It's a useful communication technique for care providers but it requires skill, time and practice. This interactive lecture will focus on the basic principles of motivational interviewing as a method for improving communication with clients. We will explore practical applications of this technique for the lactation professional, during goal setting and client education. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

This panel discussion will explore how lactation consultants can provide effective and compassionate care amidst modern challenges. With limited time and increasing reliance on technology along with hustle culture, healthcare providers must adapt to meet the needs of their clients in today’s high tech and fast paced world. The panelists will discuss issues such as limited time with clients who need a lot of teaching, the generational gap between older practitioners and younger generations who communicate and seek information differently in today’s digital era, and the disconnect between our fast paced world and human biology, and the need to teach parents to slow down and focus on themselves and their baby.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 23, 2025

Create a Reminder

23-04-2025 21:00 23-04-2025 22:00 35 Navigating Lactation Care in a Time-Pressed Digital Era This panel discussion will explore how lactation consultants can provide effective and compassionate care amidst modern challenges. With limited time and increasing reliance on technology along with hustle culture, healthcare providers must adapt to meet the needs of their clients in today’s high tech and fast paced world. The panelists will discuss issues such as limited time with clients who need a lot of teaching, the generational gap between older practitioners and younger generations who communicate and seek information differently in today’s digital era, and the disconnect between our fast paced world and human biology, and the need to teach parents to slow down and focus on themselves and their baby. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Late preterm infants (LPIs), born between 34 and the end of 36 weeks gestation, may appear term but many face quiet challenges. Effective feeding is at the top of the list (AWHONN, 2024). Yet they are often overlooked due to their birth size and relative stability. With the unplanned birth of an LPI, parents must make a hard shift from their full-term feeding plans to caring for a preterm baby who may benefit from scheduled feeding, therapeutic bottle feedings, and time to achieve exclusive breastfeeding. This talk will take a deep dive into the physiologic and neurologic developmental patterns of LPIs, supportive feeding techniques, and family counseling strategies.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 1, 2025

Create a Reminder

01-04-2025 16:00 01-04-2025 17:15 35 Nurturing Late Preterm Infants: Feeding Strategies and Family Support Late preterm infants (LPIs), born between 34 and the end of 36 weeks gestation, may appear term but many face quiet challenges. Effective feeding is at the top of the list (AWHONN, 2024). Yet they are often overlooked due to their birth size and relative stability. With the unplanned birth of an LPI, parents must make a hard shift from their full-term feeding plans to caring for a preterm baby who may benefit from scheduled feeding, therapeutic bottle feedings, and time to achieve exclusive breastfeeding. This talk will take a deep dive into the physiologic and neurologic developmental patterns of LPIs, supportive feeding techniques, and family counseling strategies. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Managing diabetes in breastfeeding mothers presents unique physiological and metabolic challenges, requiring careful consideration of both pharmacological strategies and lifestyle practices in order to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child. In this presentation, we will delve into the complexities of maternal diabetes management, highlighting the dynamic relationship between breastfeeding and diabetes and examining its different aspects. A significant focus of the presentation will be on pharmacological strategies. Attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of commonly prescribed hypoglycemic medications, with a specific emphasis on their safety profiles and considerations for breastfeeding mothers.

We will discuss the transfer of these medications into breast milk, potential side effects in infants, and strategies for balancing maternal glycemic control with the safety and efficacy of pharmacological interventions. The presentation will also explore effective monitoring and support strategies tailored to the specific needs of lactating mothers. By reviewing evidence-based information, this presentation aims to equip lactation professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to evaluate pharmacological strategies and provide comprehensive care for breastfeeding mothers with diabetes.

Objectives:

1:Explain key points relative to lactational pharmacology.
2:Describe the physiological and metabolic challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers with diabetes.
3:Evaluate the safety profiles of commonly prescribed hypoglycemic medications during lactation.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 28, 2025

Create a Reminder

28-04-2025 13:00 28-04-2025 14:00 35 Pharmacological Strategies for Navigating Diabetes in Breastfeeding Mothers Managing diabetes in breastfeeding mothers presents unique physiological and metabolic challenges, requiring careful consideration of both pharmacological strategies and lifestyle practices in order to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child. In this presentation, we will delve into the complexities of maternal diabetes management, highlighting the dynamic relationship between breastfeeding and diabetes and examining its different aspects. A significant focus of the presentation will be on pharmacological strategies. Attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of commonly prescribed hypoglycemic medications, with a specific emphasis on their safety profiles and considerations for breastfeeding mothers. We will discuss the transfer of these medications into breast milk, potential side effects in infants, and strategies for balancing maternal glycemic control with the safety and efficacy of pharmacological interventions. The presentation will also explore effective monitoring and support strategies tailored to the specific needs of lactating mothers. By reviewing evidence-based information, this presentation aims to equip lactation professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to evaluate pharmacological strategies and provide comprehensive care for breastfeeding mothers with diabetes. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

In the fight to normalize breastfeeding, burnout can be a significant challenge for passionate advocates. Inspired by personal experience, and rooted in evidence, this presentation explores practical strategies to help breastfeeding supporters maintain their passion while avoiding emotional and physical exhaustion. Learn effective techniques for self-care, time management, and community building that empower you to sustain your advocacy efforts. By focusing on resilience and balance, participants will discover how to navigate the complexities of their roles without sacrificing their well-being, ensuring they remain powerful advocates for breastfeeding families. Join us for a transformative session aimed at revitalizing your commitment to advocacy while prioritizing your health.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 29, 2025

Create a Reminder

29-04-2025 21:00 29-04-2025 22:00 35 Resilient Advocacy: Practical Strategies for Breastfeeding Supporters to Thrive Without Burnout In the fight to normalize breastfeeding, burnout can be a significant challenge for passionate advocates. Inspired by personal experience, and rooted in evidence, this presentation explores practical strategies to help breastfeeding supporters maintain their passion while avoiding emotional and physical exhaustion. Learn effective techniques for self-care, time management, and community building that empower you to sustain your advocacy efforts. By focusing on resilience and balance, participants will discover how to navigate the complexities of their roles without sacrificing their well-being, ensuring they remain powerful advocates for breastfeeding families. Join us for a transformative session aimed at revitalizing your commitment to advocacy while prioritizing your health. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Black mothers often encounter significant barriers to accessing breastfeeding education and support, challenges that have been intensified by recent infant formula shortages reaching up to 70% in some areas¹. To address this critical need, Ready Set Push, a nonprofit supporting Black mothers, collaborated with local lactation consultants and community organizations to establish the Metro Atlanta Mother’s Milk Alliance (MAMMA).

MAMMA fills a crucial gap in support for short-term breastfeeding crises, such as maternal hospitalizations or sudden declines in milk supply, by providing a safer and informal human milk-sharing network. Grounded in the four pillars of safer milk sharing—informed choice, donor screening, safe handling, and home pasteurization—MAMMA ensures secure, non-monetary exchanges of human milk².

A multidisciplinary team comprising lactation consultants, birth workers, and community members works collectively to vet donors and manage the logistics of milk transport and storage. Since its launch, MAMMA has assisted 30 families across Georgia and plans to broaden its reach further. Committed to empowering Black communities, Ready Set Push aims to scale MAMMA's impact, demonstrating how Black-led community organizations can effectively address and reduce maternal and infant health disparities.

Objectives:

1: Describe the challenges Black mothers face in accessing breastfeeding support and the impact of recent infant formula shortages on these communities.
2:List the 4 principles of safer informal human milk sharing.
3:Explain how Black-led community organizations can mobilize to create practical, grassroots solutions that address and reduce health disparities in maternal and infant care.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 15, 2025

Create a Reminder

15-04-2025 19:00 15-04-2025 20:00 35 Safer Informal Milk Sharing: MAMMA's Mission to Support Black Breastfeeding Mothers Black mothers often encounter significant barriers to accessing breastfeeding education and support, challenges that have been intensified by recent infant formula shortages reaching up to 70% in some areas¹. To address this critical need, Ready Set Push, a nonprofit supporting Black mothers, collaborated with local lactation consultants and community organizations to establish the Metro Atlanta Mother’s Milk Alliance (MAMMA). MAMMA fills a crucial gap in support for short-term breastfeeding crises, such as maternal hospitalizations or sudden declines in milk supply, by providing a safer and informal human milk-sharing network. Grounded in the four pillars of safer milk sharing—informed choice, donor screening, safe handling, and home pasteurization—MAMMA ensures secure, non-monetary exchanges of human milk². A multidisciplinary team comprising lactation consultants, birth workers, and community members works collectively to vet donors and manage the logistics of milk transport and storage. Since its launch, MAMMA has assisted 30 families across Georgia and plans to broaden its reach further. Committed to empowering Black communities, Ready Set Push aims to scale MAMMA's impact, demonstrating how Black-led community organizations can effectively address and reduce maternal and infant health disparities. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Evidence-based practice is the cornerstone of clinical decision-making, essential for IBCLCs and lactation supporters to provide culturally effective and up-to-date breastfeeding care. Recognizing the growing importance of research competence, the IBLCE has expanded the 'research' section of its exam content outline. However, many IBCLCs and lactation supporters are not academics and may lack confidence in critically appraising research papers.

Our presentation aims to bridge this gap. We will guide you through interpreting and critically appraising research in an approachable and accessible manner, using real-life examples to keep it relevant to your practice. This ensures the topic remains engaging and manageable, even for those who might find it daunting.

Additionally, we will review a selection of recent research papers from the past two years, chosen for their practical application in supporting breastfeeding dyads. Topics may include alternative complementary medicine (such as auricular acupressure, acupressure, and reflexology), dysphoric milk ejection reflex, breast pumps and flanges, supporting women with intellectual disabilities, and the role of social media in breastfeeding

Objectives:

1: Describe the basic tools for critically appraising a research paper.
2:List the key questions to judge the quality of a research paper.
3:Analyze three recent research papers with the latest clinically applicable evidence in lactation.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 8, 2025

Create a Reminder

08-04-2025 15:00 08-04-2025 16:00 35 The Evidence-Based Research Parade: A Critical Look at New Research Evidence-based practice is the cornerstone of clinical decision-making, essential for IBCLCs and lactation supporters to provide culturally effective and up-to-date breastfeeding care. Recognizing the growing importance of research competence, the IBLCE has expanded the 'research' section of its exam content outline. However, many IBCLCs and lactation supporters are not academics and may lack confidence in critically appraising research papers. Our presentation aims to bridge this gap. We will guide you through interpreting and critically appraising research in an approachable and accessible manner, using real-life examples to keep it relevant to your practice. This ensures the topic remains engaging and manageable, even for those who might find it daunting. Additionally, we will review a selection of recent research papers from the past two years, chosen for their practical application in supporting breastfeeding dyads. Topics may include alternative complementary medicine (such as auricular acupressure, acupressure, and reflexology), dysphoric milk ejection reflex, breast pumps and flanges, supporting women with intellectual disabilities, and the role of social media in breastfeeding GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Breastfeeding is a robust system; however, lactation can be negatively impacted by multiple variables that occur around the time of birth. One variable of hospital birth that has the potential to impact breastfeeding is birth during the nighttime hours. While delivery in the overnight hours is totally normal for mammals, nighttime birth can inadvertently create challenges for breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Using the latest research, this lecture aims to shed light on the variables that are present during nighttime births in the hospital setting that can potentially interfere with breastfeeding initiation and lactation support. Through analysis of the current literature, this lecture examines breastfeeding obstacles that may arise from giving birth at night, including increased formula supplementation, increase in birth interventions that can negatively impact breastfeeding, delay in lactogenesis II, lack of support for breastfeeding on the night shift, and increased likelihood of NICU admission. Furthermore, this lecture will emphasize the importance of hospital policies that protect breastfeeding, such as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. In addition, this lecture explores strategies known to enhance breastfeeding that parents can utilize during the overnight hours, with or without the assistance of high-level lactation support. Finally, this talk includes various strategies that lactation consultants can use to help remediate breastfeeding challenges resulting from nighttime birth.

Live Presentation Schedule May 12, 2025

Create a Reminder

12-05-2025 16:00 12-05-2025 17:15 35 The Night Shift Effect: Navigating Breastfeeding After Nighttime Birth Breastfeeding is a robust system; however, lactation can be negatively impacted by multiple variables that occur around the time of birth. One variable of hospital birth that has the potential to impact breastfeeding is birth during the nighttime hours. While delivery in the overnight hours is totally normal for mammals, nighttime birth can inadvertently create challenges for breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Using the latest research, this lecture aims to shed light on the variables that are present during nighttime births in the hospital setting that can potentially interfere with breastfeeding initiation and lactation support. Through analysis of the current literature, this lecture examines breastfeeding obstacles that may arise from giving birth at night, including increased formula supplementation, increase in birth interventions that can negatively impact breastfeeding, delay in lactogenesis II, lack of support for breastfeeding on the night shift, and increased likelihood of NICU admission. Furthermore, this lecture will emphasize the importance of hospital policies that protect breastfeeding, such as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. In addition, this lecture explores strategies known to enhance breastfeeding that parents can utilize during the overnight hours, with or without the assistance of high-level lactation support. Finally, this talk includes various strategies that lactation consultants can use to help remediate breastfeeding challenges resulting from nighttime birth. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

Trauma-informed care strategies are shifting the lens in many areas of health care, driven by the realization that trauma is common, enduring, and manifests in a variety of ways. Moreover, trauma responses can and do occur in both health care professionals and their clients. Lactation specialists should be aware of and sensitive to the many ways trauma may manifest to avoid perpetuating harm and optimize care of self. In this presentation, established trauma-informed principles will be applied to the field of lactation care.

Attention will be paid to sources of trauma that may impact human milk feeding, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), intergenerational trauma, sexual assault, and birth or NICU trauma. Participants will gain an understanding of foundational principles of trauma-informed care that can be translated to a variety of practice settings. Lactational professionals will come away from this presentation with enhanced awareness about the impact of trauma and concrete strategies to foster safety for both their clients and themselves.

Objectives:

1:List 4 sources of trauma that may impact clients seeking lactation care
2:Describe at least 3 basic principles of trauma-informed care (TIC
3: Explain 2 strategies for applying TIC principles to the care of lactating individuals

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 7, 2025

Create a Reminder

07-04-2025 19:00 07-04-2025 20:00 35 Trauma-Informed Lactation Care: Principles to Foster Safety and Reduce Harm Trauma-informed care strategies are shifting the lens in many areas of health care, driven by the realization that trauma is common, enduring, and manifests in a variety of ways. Moreover, trauma responses can and do occur in both health care professionals and their clients. Lactation specialists should be aware of and sensitive to the many ways trauma may manifest to avoid perpetuating harm and optimize care of self. In this presentation, established trauma-informed principles will be applied to the field of lactation care. Attention will be paid to sources of trauma that may impact human milk feeding, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), intergenerational trauma, sexual assault, and birth or NICU trauma. Participants will gain an understanding of foundational principles of trauma-informed care that can be translated to a variety of practice settings. Lactational professionals will come away from this presentation with enhanced awareness about the impact of trauma and concrete strategies to foster safety for both their clients and themselves. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

This panel will explore the complexities of providing lactation care when we don’t have best practice guidelines that are specific to the IBCLC’s unique knowledge, skills and scope of practice. There is a gap in the field of lactation care in that we don’t have a professional organization publishing clinical best practice guidelines that are freely available to both practitioners and the public. This panel will discuss the impact of this gap on both client care and the practitioner. Panelists will consider the value of best practice guidelines, the challenges of non-existent, inaccessible, limited or conflicting protocols, and the balance between clinical judgment and strict adherence to available guidelines.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 16, 2025

Create a Reminder

16-04-2025 17:00 16-04-2025 18:00 35 Unwritten Rules: Navigating Lactation Care Without IBCLC Specific Best Practice Guidelines This panel will explore the complexities of providing lactation care when we don’t have best practice guidelines that are specific to the IBCLC’s unique knowledge, skills and scope of practice. There is a gap in the field of lactation care in that we don’t have a professional organization publishing clinical best practice guidelines that are freely available to both practitioners and the public. This panel will discuss the impact of this gap on both client care and the practitioner. Panelists will consider the value of best practice guidelines, the challenges of non-existent, inaccessible, limited or conflicting protocols, and the balance between clinical judgment and strict adherence to available guidelines. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

This interactive workshop aims to educate lactation professionals on infant stooling norms by examining both historical and global perspectives, as well as modern expectations. Participants will gain insights into how human milk, antibiotics, diet changes, and supplements influence stooling frequency, color, and consistency. The session will also cover low-risk management techniques to enhance infant gastrointestinal function and alleviate symptoms of discomfort and colic. Additionally, attendees will learn to differentiate between constipation, dyschezia, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), and understand how effective feeding support can be integrated into care coordination to improve infant well-being. Learn live through case studies and participant interaction!

Objectives:

1.Describe stooling frequency, consistency, and color norms for human milk fed infants in the first 6-12 months of life.
2.List at least three factors which adversely influence stooling in infants.
3.Explain low risk management recommendations to improve digestive health for infants within their own scope of practice and expertise.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 23, 2025

Create a Reminder

23-04-2025 18:00 23-04-2025 19:30 35 Diaper Diagnostics: Decoding Infant Elimination This interactive workshop aims to educate lactation professionals on infant stooling norms by examining both historical and global perspectives, as well as modern expectations. Participants will gain insights into how human milk, antibiotics, diet changes, and supplements influence stooling frequency, color, and consistency. The session will also cover low-risk management techniques to enhance infant gastrointestinal function and alleviate symptoms of discomfort and colic. Additionally, attendees will learn to differentiate between constipation, dyschezia, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), and understand how effective feeding support can be integrated into care coordination to improve infant well-being. Learn live through case studies and participant interaction! GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

IBCLCs are unique amongst healthcare professionals, working with two patients at once - the parent/infant dyad. In this role we assess, aid and coordinate a wide variety of issues - from parental breast/chest health and milk supply, to infant feeding skills (breast/chest and bottle), as well how the baby’s oral and body structures and motions impact the process of feeding. This presentation will focus on the role of the IBCLC in aiding infant suckling skills. Taking into account supporting the feeding goals of the family as well as aiding the infant’s skills over time - whether it’s learning to feed more efficiently after birth, or resolving feeding dysfunction.

Objectives:

1: Explain assessment of infant oral and body structure and function and how they may impact feeding
2: Explain care plan for infant and the family
3. Describe oral and body exercises that can be used to help infants establish healthy sucking patterns.

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 28, 2025

Create a Reminder

28-04-2025 19:00 28-04-2025 20:30 35 Sucking Exercises to Manage Sucking Dysfunction IBCLCs are unique amongst healthcare professionals, working with two patients at once - the parent/infant dyad. In this role we assess, aid and coordinate a wide variety of issues - from parental breast/chest health and milk supply, to infant feeding skills (breast/chest and bottle), as well how the baby’s oral and body structures and motions impact the process of feeding. This presentation will focus on the role of the IBCLC in aiding infant suckling skills. Taking into account supporting the feeding goals of the family as well as aiding the infant’s skills over time - whether it’s learning to feed more efficiently after birth, or resolving feeding dysfunction. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic

In the 44 years since its adoption, the Code was updated by 20 subsequent resolution or decisions to include new products, to better protect mothers and babies and to adapt to the changing world of marketing. This presentation will highlight the extensive work done in the past years to look into the power of digital marketing, the different types of digital marketing and its potential impact on breastfeeding. Digital marketing has become the dominant form of marketing in many countries. It targets mothers through personal data collected with algorithms. Digital marketing is extremely effective and often not recognizable as advertising and it still goes below the radar of regulators in many countries. The lecture will include the newest information of the 2025 deliberations among members states to adopt a guidance on regulatory measures aimed at restricting digital marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

Objectives:

1: Describe the IBCLC's and other Health Care Providers' role under the International Code even if no legislation exists in their country.
2: List examples of forms of digital marketing and describe the impact on mothers.
3: Explain the importance of the debates around digital marketing that will be happening at the World Health Assembly in May of 2025

Live Presentation Schedule Apr 28, 2025

Create a Reminder

28-04-2025 15:00 28-04-2025 16:00 35 The International Code as a Living Document: The Latest on Digital Marketing In the 44 years since its adoption, the Code was updated by 20 subsequent resolution or decisions to include new products, to better protect mothers and babies and to adapt to the changing world of marketing. This presentation will highlight the extensive work done in the past years to look into the power of digital marketing, the different types of digital marketing and its potential impact on breastfeeding. Digital marketing has become the dominant form of marketing in many countries. It targets mothers through personal data collected with algorithms. Digital marketing is extremely effective and often not recognizable as advertising and it still goes below the radar of regulators in many countries. The lecture will include the newest information of the 2025 deliberations among members states to adopt a guidance on regulatory measures aimed at restricting digital marketing of breastmilk substitutes. GOLD Lactation Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

Tell a Friend

Next Topic