Sandra is a proud mom of two boys, a breastfeeding peer support volunteer, Masters student in Adult Education and Community Development, and non-profit sector professional. As a student at the University of Toronto, her research explored the historical and ongoing intersections between breastfeeding and climate change, presenting her research in the article “Breastfeeding and Climate Change: Overlapping Vulnerabilities and Integrating Responses” published in the Journal of Human Lactation in April 2020. The goal of her research is to urge health professionals, policy makers, and breastfeeding advocates everywhere to consider the systemic roots of breastfeeding subversion and work in solidarity with other anti-oppressive movements for common goals.

This presentation will explore the intersections of climate change and breastfeeding and map the overlapping vulnerabilities of both public health challenges, advocating for a solidarity approach to advocacy, social movement work, and policy-making. We suggest that by identifying the overlapping vulnerabilities described above we can promote the recognition of breastfeeding as an important climate resiliency effort, thus strengthening the case to mobilize resources and enforce policies for its protection. Key theoretical concepts introduced in the presentation include ecological public health, political ecology, ecofeminism, and reproductive labor. A case study is highlighted to illustrate the importance of social movement struggles for winning breastfeeding-friendly policies.

Registration Link Here: https://pdx.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctd--orT8sEtTrDNfGOK4gYCKSbWy4KoOm

Dr. Cecília Tomori is an Associate Professor and Director of Global Public Health and Community Health at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing with a joint appointment at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is a Hungarian-American anthropologist and public health scholar whose work investigates the structural and sociocultural drivers that shape health, illness, and health inequities. Dr. Tomori is internationally recognized for her expertise on breastfeeding, infant sleep, and maternal child health. She is an author of the 2023 Lancet Breastfeeding Series, three books on breastfeeding and reproduction, and numerous publications on a range of public health issues

Topic Overview: This talk will provide an overview of the key findings from the 2023 Lancet Breastfeeding Series, including the latest science on how breastfeeding impacts infant and young child health as well as maternal health; the global status of breastfeeding; and the determinants of breastfeeding success. The talk will highlight systemic barriers to breastfeeding, with a focus on how commercial milk formula industry tactics undermine breastfeeding globally and in the US. Finally, the presentation will identify concrete steps for creating enabling environments for breastfeeding and a more equitable, resilient first-food system in a time of accelerating emergencies.

Objectives for the presentation:

1) Learners will be able to describe the health impacts of breastfeeding across the life-course and the key determinants of breastfeeding success

2) Learners will be able to identify how typical human infant behavior is reframed by commercial milk formula marketing to increase profits

3) Learners will be able to identify the elements of the commercial milk formula marketing playbook that undermine breastfeeding

4) Learners will be able to identify and take concrete steps to implement enabling, equitable, and resilient systems to support breastfeeding

REGISTRATION LINK: https://pdx.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqdOivrjIiHdKfhP0Uh0KQpeT4PYVYmtbm#/registration

Slides From Presentation

Speaker: Natalie Billings, RN, IBCLC

NATALIE IS AN AN RN AND LACTATION CONSULTANT (IBCLC). SHE HAS BEEN A NURSE SINCE 2010 AND A LACTATION CONSULTANT SINCE 2013. THE MAJORITY OF HER EXPERIENCE UNTIL RECENTLY HAS BEEN THROUGH THE LENS OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM WORKING IN LABOR AND DELIVERY, AS A LACTATION CONSULTANT, AND AS A OBGYN CLINIC NURSE. IN 2014 SHE WAS INVOLVED IN THE CARE OF AN INFANT THAT HAD FALLEN THROUGH THE CRACKS AT A SMALL LOCAL HOSPITAL AND DID NOT HAVE A GOOD OUTCOME. THIS EXPERIENCE LED HER TO CO-FOUND A PROGRAM CALLED NEST (NEWBORN EVALUATION SUPPORT AND TEACHING). IT STARTED WITH GRANT FUNDING AND INCLUDED PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING PREPARATION, IN HOSPITAL LACTATION SUPPORT, AND MOTHER/INFANT FOLLOW UP AT THE NEST PROGRAM AFTER DELIVERY. IT WAS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE HOSPITAL, THE COMMUNITY, AND THE LOCAL PEDIATRIC AND OBGYN CLINICS. THIS PROGRAM WENT ON TO WIN AN AWARD AT THE CALIFORNIA BREASTFEEDING COALITION FOR BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO LACTATION PROBLEMS.

IN 2015 SHE MOVED TO MAUI AND BEGAN WORKING FOR THE LACTATION DEPARTMENT WITH KAISER. SHE LEARNED SO MUCH DURING HER TIME WITH THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND GREW AS A PROFESSIONAL, BUT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS IT BECAME RELEVANT TO HER THAT THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM WAS NOT WHERE SHE BELONGED. SHE WANTED A WAY TO HELP FAMILIES ACHIEVE OPTIMAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS BEYOND WHAT SHE WAS ABLE TO OFFER WORKING IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. SHE DECIDED TO LEAVE HER JOB IN 2021 AND IT HAS BEEN THE BEST CAREER AND PERSONAL CHOICE SHE HAS MADE. SHE STARTED A PRIVATE PRACTICE CALLED MAUI BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT WHICH SHE OPERATES AS HER FULL TIME JOB AND IS ABLE TO SERVE THE FAMILIES OF MAUI (AND BEYOND!) SHE COMPLETED A LIFE AND CAREER CHANGING 9 MONTH MENTORSHIP WITH MICHALE CHATHAM IN 2020 THAT REALLY PUT A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE WAY SHE WAS HELPING MOMS AND BABIES. SHE WENT ON TO START AN E-COURSE WITH MICHALE AS WELL AS A CHIROPRACTOR NAMED MOLLY PERALTA. THIS COURSE IS CALLED MIDLINE REVOLUTION AND IS A HOLISTIC COURSE FOR PARENTS NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF ORAL RESTRICTIONS THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS THAN IS TRADITIONALLY SEEN IN THE ALLOPATHIC SYSTEM.

SHE CURRENTLY LIVES ON MAUI AND WHEN SHE IS NOT HELPING BABIES SHE LOVES TO SPEND TIME AT THE BEACH, HIKING, OR PRETTY MUCH DOING ANYTHING OUTSIDE. SHE RECENTLY GOT MARRIED AND HOPES TO HAVE HER OWN BABIES SOON.

Topic Overview: This presentation will review what it was like being a business owner and resident of an area where disaster struck via fire, and how breastfeeding was supported during this time.

• The devastation of the Maui wildfires and how infant feeding support was addressed during the disaster

• expectations vs reality of what happened

• communication with those who were involved and needed support

• Managing donations

• Story about an affected family

• Cultural points to consider during an emergency

• Unique challenges/strengths of the community

• Support received

• Moving forward

• How have the events from the past changed how you/the island prepare for a future disaster, should there ever be one?

By the end of the presentation the viewer will understand the importance of breastfeeding in any disaster or emergency, know how to best make themselves available for support where needed, be prepared with supplies for feeding in emergencies, and have a tools available to help create a response team in their area.

REGISTRATION LINK:

https://pdx.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctd-ippzMiGtxbNlB2-aqHZKtKPRyUGhIp

Meet Genny Stiller (she/her), a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing. She is an International Certified Lactation Consultant and a Certified Neurodiverse Lactation Specialist. In 2022, she founded the Neurodiverse Lactation Education Center, which provides unique lactation support, education, and training that reflects the neurodivergent lactation experience.

REGISTRATION LINK: https://pdx.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvf-6orT8iE9YIn_2XophdlzKQhug-zj_6#/registration

LINK TO RECORDING

Handout: Presentation Handout PDF

Further reading recommended:

The Neurodivergent Lactation Experience. Breastfeeding and Lactation. (2023). Stiller, G. https://www.elacta-magazine.eu/en-gb/archive---english 

Autistic women's views and experiences of infant feeding: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. Autism. (2022). Grant A, Jones S, Williams K, Leigh J, Brown A. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35411810/

It makes my skin crawl: Women’s experience of breastfeeding aversion response. (2022). Morns, M., Steel, A., McIntyre, E., Burns, E. Women and Birth. 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519222000014?via%3Dihub

Considerations of sensory sensitivities of adult women on the autism spectrum during lactation. (2021). Stiller, G.; Yate, Z. Considerations of Sensory Sensitivities of Adult Women on the Autism Spectrum During Lactation | Springer Publishing

Supporting Breastfeeding Among Women on the Autistic Spectrum: Disability, Difference, and Delight. (2014). Pelz-Sherman, D. Supporting Breastfeeding Among Women on the Autistic Spectrum: Disability, Difference, and Delight

There is a gap in knowledge on the implications of nutritional status and management of those on restrictive diets while breastfeeding. While exact numbers are unknown, we suspect many lactating persons are on restrictive diets for a variety of reasons. Not often discussed, maternal diet and nutrient intake does affect breast milk composition. Lactation professionals should be aware of the potential nutritional implications a restrictive diet may have on the mother-baby dyad. Participants will gain an understanding of how maternal diet can influence breast milk, the varying reasons a lactating person may be on restricted diet, the potential nutrients of concern on restricted diets, and basic nutritional guidance to lactating persons on restricted diets.

RECORDED PRESENTATION (Click on link below): https://pdx.zoom.us/rec/share/d_f2M4J99ghHmEB7R1MqITYWCoT3OkBo5OBD4Rf_bx2PcBaQJaiYcGTulJUiqkyC.zBAcdVt_nHlHOnxl

Meghan McMillin holds a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) since 2013 and became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2019 

Meghan spent 5 years working clinically in the NICU, pediatric floor and women’s units of a local hospital. In 2019, Meghan started her own private practice with a focus on postpartum and infant care. The mama to two young kids with food allergies, helping other families manage food allergies, whether it’s while breastfeeding, during the introduction of solids, or later in childhood, is her passion. 

Meghan is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association and the United States Lactation Consultant Association. She enjoys sharing her knowledge through social media, freelance writing and public speaking. Meghan is the coauthor of the eBook What To Eat When Your Baby Can’t Tolerate Milk, Soy, or Egg Protein; Nutrition guidance for avoiding milk, soy, and/or eggs while lactating. 

Meghan has presented both nationally and internationally including for GOLD learning, the National WIC Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In 2020, Meghan was awarded the Emerging Professional in Women's Health Award from the Women's Health Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

Meghan lives with her husband and two children outside of Chicago, IL. In her spare time she enjoys working out, allergen-free baking and having dance parties with her kids in the kitchen.

Please join us and our amazing speaker: Laurel Wilson, BS, IBCLC, RLC, CLE , CLD, CCCE (Read more about her here: http://motherjourney.com/about-me.html )

CERPs pending for Oregon Washington Lactation Association: https://www.oregonwashingtonlactation.org/events

REGISTER EARLY HERE: https://pdx.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vdeyppz0qGdaoCf4CyHJPFGKmIBF4ZRJF

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION:

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.

Please join us and our amazing speaker: Bryna Hayden

Bryna is a lactation consultant, doula, advocate, and educator on topics surrounding complex lactation situations, infant reflexes and neurobiology, trauma-informed clinical strategies for infant feeding families, neurodivergence in parenting, and perinatal harm reduction practices. They focus on a lens of equity and parent-centered care. As a member of the queer and neurodivergent communities, Bryna emphasizes thinking outside the binary and prioritizing parents as experts in the decision-making process in their care.

Topic Description:

Trans, Nonbinary, and gender-expansive or gender-nonconforming care has come a long way in recent years, but it still has a long way to go before competent care in these areas is mainstream. One field that is especially gendered is reproductive healthcare. There is a strong bias and assumption that the primary patient population identifies as female, and as such, it can be a very isolating experience for many individuals who need to access this care. This talk advocates for the de-gendering of reproductive & family health as a whole, while also caring for each patient as an individual. Learners will be introduced to foundational topics of gender expression and identity, the experiences of Trans, Nonbinary, or gender non-conforming individuals, and some key concepts to strengthening the quality of care for these populations.

CERPs approved for Oregon Washington Lactation Association members

REGISTER IN ADVANCE HERE: https://pdx.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0odOivrTIrGtP8Re_JHwgsb1MrVirlzO0_

Registration is required in advance: https://tinyurl.com/3my32cz9

Our Speaker: Nichelle Clark is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), wife, and mom of two residing in Chesapeake, Virginia. She is the owner of SonShine & Rainbows Lactation Services. Born and raised in Upper Marlboro, MD, Nichelle joined the United States Navy in 2010 and served honorably for 7.5 years. When she’s not spending time with family, she serves as a United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) Advisory Board Member and Clinical Lactation Journal Associate Editor. She also serves as the Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition Member-At-Large. In her spare time, she admins multiple online support groups for People of Color, providing breastfeeding support and lactation education to her community. As an exclusive pumping mom herself, Nichelle is a champion for breastfeeding parents to write their own rules and breastfeed their way.

Topic Overview: The first breast pump is credited to being invented/patented in 1854 by O. H. Needham. Since then, the pump industry has exploded, making breast pumps of some sort accessible throughout the Western World. But, while technology has transitioned with the times, the bias that exists within lactation has not. Clinicians are still drawing hard lines on what the “true” definition is. In this presentation, we’ll dive into why there’s still a debate and answer the age old question. Spoiler alert: Pumping is breastfeeding. Period. This presentation will address the learners' understanding of the definition of breastfeeding and how to support parents in breastfeeding/chestfeeding via pumping.

1.5 L-CERPs (pending) will be awarded to current OWLA members who attended this discussion live and in it’s entirety

Join us for this unique and important conversation on Monday October 3, 2022. Please register ahead of time HERE.

Topic Overview: The population of chest and breastfeeding persons is at particular risk for being exposed to interpersonal violence, which has been associated with negative outcomes in the areas of reproductive health, establishment of lactation, and effectiveness of lactation. Care providers for this population should be aware of risk factors, recognize when violence may be present, and be equipped to discuss violence with clients. This presentation will introduce the learner to the ways in which interpersonal violence may present in the lactating population, and also provide a foundation for building a respectful, resilient, and trauma-informed practice.

Our Speaker: Emily Middleton, MSN, RN, CPN is currently working as a home visiting nurse case manager for Babies First! and CaCoon programs in Linn County, Oregon. Her desire is to help pregnant people and families achieve their health and wellness goals by meeting them where they are and providing support and encouragement on their parenting journey. She works to identify and intervene when violence is present in families. Her experience as a pediatric nurse as well as a forensic nurse provides perspective on how violence can impact young parents and children as well as healthcare providers who bear witness. It brings her joy to share with other healthcare providers on how to provide safe space for those they care for while developing their own sense of resilience and confidence.

1.5 L-CERPs will be awarded to current OWLA members who attended this discussion live and in it’s entirety

Please register in advance by clicking here!

Join us as we learn from the highly esteemed breastfeeding medicine physician, Dr. Katrina B. Mitchell on the topic "New Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Mastitis Spectrum Protocol 2022". Together, we will be reviewing the pathophysiologic spectrum of inflammatory conditions affecting the lactating breast in the mastitis spectrum.

Our Speaker: Katrina B. Mitchell, MD, IBCLC, FACS is a board- certified general surgeon, fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist, and IBCLC whose practice includes the care and surgery of women with breast cancer and benign breast disease. She also treats maternal complications of lactation, and has a special interest in pregnancy and postpartum breast cancer. She resides in Santa Barbara, California and practices at the Ridley Tree Cancer Center at Sansum Clinic.

Topic Overview: We will start with discussing hyperlactation (“oversupply”) and will transition into exploring non- infectious and infectious mastitis, and abscess development in the setting of massage and untreated hyperlactation. We will also detail the identification and treatment of galactocele and lactational phlegmon. The goal is for lactation consultants to identify when these conditions may be presenting in a patient they are evaluating, and to understand when to refer patients to a medical provider for further intervention and care. We will review risk factors for these conditions and how LCs, within their scope of practice, can help prevent the progression of complications. These include techniques such as gentle lymphatic drainage and other supportive measures such as reducing excessive pumping that will be reviewed.

1.5 L-CERPs are pending approval for current OWLA members through IBLCE

Please join us for this special presentation on May 14th at 10am PST.

OWLA is thrilled to present a unique education opportunity with Iryna Vlasova, IBCLC. This presentation is free to attend, however a donation is strongly suggested. All proceeds from this presentation will go directly towards supporting the continued efforts of "Milky Rivers Ukraine", a breastfeeding support organization founded by Ukrainian lactation consultants who are working on the front lines to provide essential safe infant feeding support during the current crisis.

Iryna Vlasova's career as a lactation consultant began in 2014 during the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine where she volunteered for the Ukrainian Association of Psychotherapists. When a colleague from Israel conducted a seminar for psychologists and spoke passionately about raising healthy and strong-spirited Ukrainians, she knew there was a special calling in store for her. As the mother of two boys, aged 2 and 4, she knew there were many fellow parents of young children who felt hopeless in their ability to support Ukraine. Thus, the desire to pursue IBCLC credentialing arose out of the need to help families at the highest level. It is her pleasure to serve Ukrainian families all across the globe strive to reach their personal breastfeeding goals. Volunteering with "Milky Rivers Ukraine" has given Iryna the unique opportunity to support her homeland and fellow Ukrainians from far and wide.

During this presentation, we will learn from Iryna about what lactation support has been like since Russia's invasion and war on Ukraine. She shares the unique perspective of providing virtual support to refugees and families seeking shelter as they navigate the uncertainties and dangers of the ongoing crisis. Your donation will help to ensure that "Milky Rivers Ukraine" has access to basic necessities in order to continue providing essential lactation and mental health support to those ravaged by the unimaginable tragedy of war.

Interested in donating? You can purchase your ticket in a denomination of your choice HERE

All attendees must pre register via zoom HERE

This presentation will be recorded. You may still purchase a ticket for the purpose of donation and view the recorded presentation at your convenience.

Join us on Monday, April 4th for a special presentation featuring a multidisciplinary panel of professionals that aim to improve infant feeding outcomes by using alternative therapies. We'll learn about how their specialties may impact infants who are experiencing feeding challenges, what therapies may be appropriate for what families, and so much more!

Please join us EARLY at 6:40pm PST for a special networking opportunity.

You can pre-register for this free event HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the zoom link for the meeting.

Our Speakers:

-Carol Gray, LMT, CST, RPYT is the founder and director of The Carol Gray Center for CST Studies® in Portland, OR. She brings us decades of midwifery, doula, yoga, and bodywork experience. In this discussion, Carol will explain how Craniosacral Therapy complements all babies on their feeding journeys!

-Dr. Korin Rasmussen, DC is a Chiropractor in Portland, OR who will speak to the impact that she has observed bodywork and tummy time to have on infants experiencing torticollis, reflux, colic, tongue-tie, as well as babies that are pre/post frenotomy.

-Sejal Fichadia, IBCLC is an educator of infant massage and is the owner of Kindred Mother Care, LLC where she provides lactation consultations and TummyTime!™ services. Sejal is passionate about all things infant movement and believes that a better understanding of infant reflexes helps professionals to improve sucking, swallowing, and breathing during feeding.

-Leisha Vogl, SLP has a passion for helping families experiencing pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. She was the first Certified Orofacial Myologist in the State of Oregon and helped to establish the Marion County Feeding Coalition consisting of lactation consultants, SLPs, OTs, midwives, and parent representatives to establish improved feeding care. She believes in the value of interdisciplinary approaches, including that of babies!

Our Objectives:

-Learn how complimentary therapies may help to impact infant feeding experiences

-Discover which complimentary therapies may help different dyads

-Gain confidence in your bodywork referrals

-Meet and connect with local professionals who are equally as passionate about improving infant health outcomes

We look forward to seeing you all again! Please message us or email us at info@oregonwashingtonlactation.org with any questions or concerns

Please pre-register for this free event via the Zoom link here!

To download Megan’s handout for this presentation, click here.

Topic Overview: As the recreational and legal status of cannabis is shifting in the US, lactation educators and clinical healthcare providers are shifting their practices and counseling regarding its use during lactation. This presentation covers the effects of cannabinoids on the lactating person, current research findings, and organizational medical recommendations for cannabis using while lactating. We will discuss counseling skills from a Participant Centered mind frame and in a Trauma Informed practice aimed at building connection and openness with our clients and patients. Additionally, this presentation includes information about the racist and xenophobic history of cannabis’ illegalization.

Speaker Overview: Megan Dunn holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Sociology. She is an IBCLC and Health Educator who views infant feeding from an anthropological perspective and through a sociological lens. Her experiences have run the gamut as a volunteer, peer-to-peer support counselor, educator of all sorts, in-patient support, and out-patient clinical care. Currently she is working for Linn County WIC as a Public Health Lactation Consultant and the Breastfeeding Program Coordinator. She is also privileged to be a part of the excellent team at Legacy as a Health Educator as well as continuing to provide community support as a home-visiting Lactation Provider. Her goals are to support biological feeding norms and to offer practical solutions for dyads with family systems level awareness.

1.5 CERPS pending approval for current OWLA members. Want to become a member? Learn how by clicking here!

Topic Overview: Fat people receive sub-par medical care from deeply biased providers in all settings, including before, during, and after pregnancy. This presentation will teach the perinatal care provider how to care for their fat clients without causing harm. It will educate on the myths and the facts about fatness, both medically and socially. It will discuss the ways in which perinatal care providers typically fail their fat clients, and it will provide methods for changing practice to provide unbiased, respectful, and competent client care. 

Speaker Overview: Kristin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and IBCLC in private practice in central New Jersey. Her practice specialties are low supply, maternal and infant mental health, and the intersection of ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender in the care of the new family.  She has spoken on various lactation, mental health, and equity topics for USLCA, the Lehigh Valley Breastfeeding Association Conference, the Appalachian Breastfeeding Conference, LPPEC, LC in PP, and for LLL of the Garden State.  She designed and taught a training course on Mental Health First Aid for Perinatal Providers. She has been a featured speaker on several lactation related podcasts. 

She is the mother of two children who nursed full term despite maternal IGT, and who are now 16 and 13.  She is an anti-racist LGBT+ activist, a member of transformative works fandoms, and makes fighting for a better world part of her daily life. 

Current OWLA members will receive 1.5 L-CERPs. Not a member yet? Consider joining for additional educational opportunities and to support our lactating population and fellow professionals!

Virtual Seats are limited! Please register in advance by clicking the link here.

This presentation will be on Zoom on June 7th at 7pm PST. PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE for this meeting using the link below:
Register Here!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the zoom link for the meeting.

Dr. Lincoln is a board-certified OB-GYN, currently practicing as an OB Hospitalist and IBCLC in Portland, Oregon. She is also a Board member for NW Mothers Milk Bank. Dr. Lincoln has been sharing her OB expertise with millions of followers on TikTok and other social media platforms and is medical writer and author of the soon-to-be available book, “Let’s Talk About Down There”. She is married to pediatrician Dr. Doug Lincoln and has 2 wonderful boys.

Topic overview: This presentation will cover the role that social media can play in providing lactation care. This will include current statistics regarding social media and healthcare consumption, examples of how social media can be used to educate and inform expectant and breastfeeding parents, a review of how social media can be used to help a lactation practice grow and connect with their clients, and also the pitfalls of social media usage in healthcare. I will cover basic guidelines in using social media including how to avoid certain pitfalls and ethical dilemmas.

As always, application for 1.5 CERPS is pending through IBLCE for current OWLA members. If you would like to become a member and receive CERPs, please click here. If you have questions about your membership status, please contact us here.

Northwest Mothers Milk Bank and Providence Health & Services invite you to join us for Session One of the 2021 Donor Human Milk Symposium. 

Learn More and Register HERE

Leslie Parker, PhD, APRN, NNP-BC, FAAN and Fiona Jardine, PhD will share relevant research and their expert opinion on milk expression following birth and supporting parents who may choose to exclusively pump their milk. Hosted by Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC. 

Participants will receive 2.5 CME/CE/L-CERP credits. This virtual session will be recorded and sent to registrants for later viewing.

Please join us for our bi-monthly education meeting!

Register in advance HERE

Download meeting slides with notes HERE

Speaker:  Laurie Cox, LCSW

Topic Overview: In our time together, we will look both at the information available about the impact of the pandemic on mental health for parents and the impact on providers serving them.

We will explore strategies for supporting mental health for parents of infants during this difficult time. You will also have the opportunity to think about the most challenging aspects for yourself as both a professional and a human and consider how to best care for yourself as you care for the families you serve.

Speaker overview: Laurie Cox, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice, has been working for over 20 years with families experiencing fertility loss, perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, pregnancy adjustment, traumatic birth, infant loss, the impact of trauma, and the transition and adjustment to parenting and managing parenting challenges.

Application for 1.5 CERPS is pending through IBLCE for current OWLA members

Expressions of Care: Eliminating Barriers to Breastfeeding for Incarcerated Women

Click Here to Register!

Speakers:

Lesley Mondeaux BSN, IBCLC Executive Director at Northwest Mothers Milk Bank

Carrie Cohen MA, MS, IBCLC Portland State University, University Studies OHSU-PSU School of Public Health

Jessica Katz, MSW YWCA of Greater Portland, Family Preservation Project Director

Carly Itami  Student at Portland State University School of Social Work, Employee at Northwest Mothers Milk Bank

Topic Overview:

It is estimated that 80% of women in prison are mothers and 10% are pregnant at the time of incarceration. Women are the fastest growing segment of the incarcerated population in the United States. The Expression of Care program aims to eliminate barriers for women in Oregon who choose to provide breastmilk for their infant despite incarceration and separation. The program grew out of a collaboration between The Family Preservation Project, OHSU-PSU capstone students and Northwest Mothers Milk Bank.

Objectives:

• Participants will be able to summarize characteristics of the population of adults in custody within the state of Oregon.

• Participants will be able to accurately describe the mission and work of The Family Preservation Project and the Expression of Care program.

• Participants will be able to identify at least three barriers to breastfeeding that impact adults in custody.

Application for 1.5 L-CERPS is pending through IBLCE for current OWLA members