Breastfeeding Support Skills for Professionals

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The class, held in English, develops your practical skills in these areas: #### Anatomy and Physiology * understanding the basic anatomy and physiology of the developing and lactating breast, and which medical histories and symptoms indicate referral for prenatal support from an IBCLC * understanding the basic anatomy and physiology of suckling for newborns * describing the typical newborn reflexes and behaviors that impact feeding and which new parents should understand * explaining the significance of breastfeeding to families (both breastmilk and time spent at the breast) #### Counseling Skills * developing empathy and understanding around the reasons mothers may feel resistant to, or struggle with, breastfeeding * providing useful information while not overwhelming parents * utilizing counseling and clinical skills to enable parents to be successful when you are not present * recognizing when to refer families for help outside your scope of practice * involving the breastfeeding parent's partner in useful support * knowing the most important things to avoid conveying to parents #### Breastfeeding Norms * supporting initiation of breastfeeding after birth * assisting parents with basic breastfeeding positions for comfort and success * supporting parents and babies in achieving a painless and effective latch * recognizing the transition from Lactogenesis I to II * sharing accurate information about the frequency and timing of feedings * recognizing which of the things "everyone knows" about breastfeeding are true and which actually aren't * normalizing early parenting experiences #### Management of Breastfeeding Challenges * utilizing best practice responses to address the potential breastfeeding impacts of the most common birth interventions * troubleshooting the most frequent and basic issues breastfeeding families face in the first few weeks postpartum * coping with mother-infant separation * protecting future breastfeeding when feeding difficulty arises * teaching the basics of expressing milk: hand expression and pumping * recognizing the clinically significant signs of adequate and inadequate milk transfer * utilizing the basics of supplementation, when needed And we will conclude with the chance for you to ask additional questions. The course includes activities on your own and with classmates to help you integrate the information.

Register for This Class

As we all do perinatal work and need a professional network, there will be an intentional opportunity for you to connect with other attendees. The course meets DONA's requirement for breastfeeding education for doulas who are certifying. Upon request, the course includes a signed certificate showing three hours of lactation-specific education. If you need additional forms to be signed, please bring them to class and present them afterwards.