Birthing interventions include: continuous electronic fetal monitoring, IV therapy, restriction of nutrition, restriction of mobility, use of pharmaceutical pain relief measures, magnesium sulfate administration, cesarean birth, vacuum and forceps delivery. Each intervention will be described with typical rates, risk and benefits, and the impact on the breastfeeding relationship. The birth history will be described including why it matters and how to do it in a respectful and efficient manner. 

  When assessing the mother-baby dyad, the newborn assessment is critical to ascertain readiness to breastfeed and to identify anomalies that must be addressed. This session will address the newborn’s head and neck, physical findings that might affect successful breastfeeding. 

NICU babies usually are not healthy nor stable upon their arrival to this world and have to be separated from their mothers.  When they need their parents, they need to overcome that “disconnect.” Laid-back breastfeeding and skin to skin are valuable and efficacious ways to facilitate the emotional and physical connection, and breastfeeding! Practical solutions to NICU challenges will be discussed.

9:00 Registration

9:30 Birth Practices and Breastfeeding: Why the Birth History is Critical for Both Inpatient and Community Based Lactation Care

11:15 Break

11:30 The Baby’s Perspective: Newborn Assessment & How it Affects Breastfeeding

12:15 Lunch

1:15 Laid-Back Nursing in the NICU: How Hospital Staff and Community Workers Can Educate and Support 

Families to Achieve Powerful Connections with Their Babies in the NICU

2:30 Break

2:45 The First 72 Hours: Predictable Newborn Patterns that Influence Breastfeeding Support Needed

4:00 Adjourn