We are often asked if we travel and speak. Yes! We have a passion for providing parents and educators with practical information they can learn and use immediately.
Presenations We strive to create our presentations based on the population of who is attending, as well as specific needs of the conference planner. Below is a sampling of some of our more popular presentations.
When a breastfeeding mother plans to introduce a bottle, are we using evidence-based practice, or
misinformation and old wives’ tales, in answering the mother's questions? In a fun, game-style approach,
the presenters will highlight common infant feeding assumptions. Based on evaluation, assumptions will
be verified as “confirmed, plausible, or busted.” Armed with this new information, professionals will be
able to answer mothers’ questions accurately while adhering to the WHO Code.
Qualifies for E-CERPs and/or L-CERPS. This presentation has information
that overlaps with "Meet Me in the Nipple Aisle"--please choose one or the other.
Breasts, and Bottles, and Pacifiers—Oh My!
60 - 120 minutes
CERP
Many mothers who breastfeed and plan to introduce a bottle or pacifier do not willingly share this information
with their breastfeeding helper. This is problematic because when artificial nipples are selected or used
incorrectly, they can have a negative impact on breastfeeding. In this presentation, attendees will
become more comfortable with the topic of bottles and pacifiers, and gain the information needed to help
the “closet bottle or pacifier user.” Attending to the dynamics of breast and bottle-feeding can help a
mother reduce the risk of nipple preference and prolong her breastfeeding experience.
Meet Me in the Nipple Aisle
60 - 90 minutes
CERP
All too often, the breastfeeding helper finds herself in the uncharted territory of fielding artificial nipple questions. The answers frequently given are, unfortunately, based on personal bias, product advertising,
and/or old wives tales. As the breastfeeding helper tries to provide accurate information, she may be
unfamiliar with—or event daunted by—the artificial nipple world. Attendance at this presentation will
prepare breastfeeding helpers to provide useful, current information in a way that is respectful of and
compliant with the WHO Code. The "language" of bottles will be discussed, as well as how product
advertising impacts the decisions of mothers and professionals. Attendees will also learn the importance
of the texture, shape, and flow of bottle nipples, and how these elements relate to breastfeeding.
Qualifies for E-CERPs and/or L-CERPs. This presentation has information that overlaps
with "Mythbusters Lactation Style." Please choose only one of these presentations.
Looking Beyond Latch and Positioning
60 - 90 minutes
CERP
We have all worked with babies where the latch “looks okay” but breastfeeding doesn’t improve. When
the breastfeeding helper can’t identify the problem, mothers may wean earlier than planned. By attending
this presentation, attendees will learn to look beyond normal latch and positioning to discover underlying
cause(s) of breastfeeding difficulties. Attendees will also gain troubleshooting techniques that fall within
their scope of practice, and learn how to identify red flags that indicate a need for immediate referral.
This presentation is for both entry level breastfeeding helpers and those who are more experienced.
A basic understanding of "normal" is a prerequisite, or we suggest pairing this presentation with "Breasts,
and Bottles, and Pacifiers—Oh My! " earlier in the day.
Can You Hear Me Now? Getting the Message Across
60 - 75 minutes
CERP
Do you ever wish mothers came with thought bubbles and subtitles? Understanding a mother's true intention
is key to a successful consult; but developing a relationship with successful communication takes
time. Unfortunately, breastfeeding helpers may have limited time to establish a trusting relationship and
convey information correctly. In this presentation, humor and real-life examples are used to help attendees learn to recognize quickly underlying communication so they can meet mothers where they are.
With these skills, attendees will be able to tailor their message according to the mother's goals, belief
system, and level of knowledge, thus improving consult outcomes. Attend this presentation and learn
new ways to ensure the mother you are helping can hear you now.
The Blame Game
60 - 75 minutes
CERP
The Blame Game presentation is packed full of intriguing, challenging cases where nipple confusion is wrongly assumed to be the cause of breastfeeding difficulties. Amy and Mindy present sound, practical advice to assist the breastfeeding helper in discovering the true, underlying problem, shifting focus away from the blame. Learn to stop playing the Blame Game, and instead focus on problem solving and collaboration to improve breastfeeding success.
What’s My Line? Knowing When to Refer and What to Say
60 - 75 minutes
CERP
What’s My Line? was a guessing game televised in the 1950's where contestants attempted to determine
the identity (“line”) of the mystery person. Using this game style approach, attendees, who we call
contestants, will learn to identify the mystery breastfeeding difficulty (“line”). As in the game,
contestants are allowed casual inspection (breastfeeding history and assessment) and one “wild guess”
(finding). Contestants will learn when to request a conference—a short time to openly discuss ideas
with a colleague—or when and how to pass to the next player (referral).
This presentation pairs nicely with "Looking Beyond Latch and Positioning" earlier in the day.
Say Cheese! Helping Mothers Take Care of Their Breastfed Babies’ Teeth
30 minutes
CERP
Some mothers, and dentists, question if nighttime breastfeeding conflicts with dental health after teeth
emerge. Although there maybe a link between night feedings and decay, other factors are usually in
play. With accurate knowledge, the breastfeeding helper can aid in protecting babies' teeth while
continuing to support nighttime feedings. In this presentation, attendees will discover causes of tooth
decay, understand the interplay between nighttime nursing and possible cavities, and examine the relationship between family and baby dental health. Attendees will learn the facts of dental health habits
for babies, complete with a hand-out for the parents in their care.
About the speakers
Amy Peterson, BS, IBCLC, teams with Mindy Harmer, MA, CCC-SLP, to bring a broad perspective of infant feeding to conference participants. Amy & Mindy have worked together for seven years, combining the art of breastfeeding with the science oral-motor function. Their early collaboration resulted in the publication of Balancing Breast and Bottle: Reaching Your Breastfeeding Goals. While working together, they honed their skills in the areas of: comprehensive infant and mother assessment, bottles as tools, successful communication with health care providers, and mothers' learning styles. They have a passion for sharing their expertise and like to give conference attendees practical information for immediate application. They tailor their presentations to the needs of the conference and the attendees' level of knowledge. Presentations are educational, entertaining, and enhanced with photo and video examples. Although Amy and Mindy believe the audience gains a more comprehensive understanding of infant feeding when they present together, they are occasionally available to speak independently.
Areas of experitise
Advocacy for Breastfeeding
Communication Skills for Breastfeeding Specialists
Anatomy and Physiology of Infant Feeding
Breastfeeding Dyad Assessment
Counseling Methods for Breastfeeding Specialists
Ethics of Breastfeeding Counseling/Practice
Humor and Breastfeeding
Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding
Latching Theory and Techniques
Suck Dysfunction
Supplementation of the Breastfeeding Infant
WIC Counseling Methods
Working and Breastfeeding
Upcoming speaking engagements
March of Dimes 37th Annual Perinatal Nursing Conference
March 1 – 2, 2012
Wyndham Lisle Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Ilinois, USA
Speaking
