Abstract: Multi-systemic, poorly understood, under-researched and under-diagnosed, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes are genetic anomalies that can cause challenges to the breastfeeding relationship both directly, through acute interfering symptoms in the nursing parent or infant, and indirectly through birth trauma and injury. Lactation professionals should understand the basic challenges caused by HSD as well as have strategies to support families with this rare disease which may not be very rare at all (Demmler et al 2019). This presentation discusses signs and symptoms of HSD which may affect the breastfeeding relationship and how the lactation consultant may address these challenges on an individual basis. I present two cases in which the nursing parent had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type 3; breastfeeding challenges in these cases were similar with excessive infant weight loss in the beginning which was overcome with appropriate supplementation and close follow up. I also discuss how HSD may affect lactation indirectly through increased risk of a difficult birth including malpresentation, injury and prolapse and how to overcome these challenges. Last, I briefly discuss how three conditions which often co-occur with HSD - autonomic dysfunction, mast cell activation disorders, and neurodivergence - can be sensitively addressed within the breastfeeding relationship while meeting the needs of each family.

Publication: Presentation has not been published.

Diversity and Inclusion: Supporting breastfeeding families well involves supporting the best hormonal and neurological states for learning, healing and milk production. The language that we use and stories we tell have a strong impact upon the brains of our clients, for better or for worse. Using language that includes everyone increases our patients? emotional safety and allows them to work with us effectively. In my presentations, I use gender inclusive language such as modeling pronoun use for the gender spectrum and using gender neutral descriptors such as ?the breastfeeding/chestfeeding parent.? I have done a world-wide literature search on my topic since Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and EDS can affect anyone from any culture or economic background. I also use language which includes the broadest definitions of family and all sexual orientations as these words allow for inclusion and can lower stress hormones.

Upon the completion of the education, the learner will be able to:

1. Identify four major signs and symptoms of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

2. Discuss how HSD and EDS can affect the breastfeeding/chestfeeding relationship

3. Collaborate with HSD and EDS patients to develop an individualized breastfeeding/chestfeeding care plan

4. Execute referrals to medical and support resources for breastfeeding/chestfeeding HSD and EDS patients and their infants

Credit: 1.00 L CERP and 1.00 Contact Hours

Source: ILCA 2022 Annual Conference

Presented by: Adrienne Fuson, IBCLC, Lactation Solutions NW

Learning Level: Intermediate

Expiration Date: 31 December 2023

IBLCE Category: Pathology

Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare. The presenter has no significant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any product(s) or provider(s) of any services relating to the subject matter of this presentation unless otherwise stated below.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

ILCA education is provided as a service to our members for continuing education, knowledge, and awareness. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and removes barriers. The views and opinions expressed in this education, including the choice of vocabulary, expressions, and use of supporting evidence-based research belong to the presenter. ILCA is steadfast in our commitment to present, learn, and discuss any information in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

Abstract: Recreational use of marijuana is approved for people >21 without clear guidelines/restrictions for pregnant/breastfeeding women. Although it is illegal at the Federal level, thirty-six states have legalized the use of marijuana medicinally; and eighteen states, including New Jersey, and Washington D.C. have legalized the use of cannabis recreationally. Women who live in states with legalized recreational cannabis are significantly more likely to use cannabis compared to women in states without legalized recreational cannabis. A perception of safety in pregnancy and increased social acceptance of cannabis6 may contribute to one in 25 pregnant women use marijuana during pregnancy; 16.8% of women used cannabis in the pre-conception, 5.5% in the prenatal, and 6.6% in the postpartum periods. Women use it for stress/anxiety relief, as antiemetic, to increase appetite, as a sleep aid, for pain relief, and for depression. With about 500 chemicals, including the mind-altering compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marihuana can pass through a woman?s placenta to her baby during pregnancy. It can have negative effects on maternal/fetal outcomes on long-term brain development issues affecting memory/learning, and behavior, increased preterm birth, and low birth-weight, increased risk for and schizophrenia. Potency has increased six-seven-fold since the 1970s. One in 10 individuals over the age of 18 years and 1 in 6 under the age of 18 years will become addicted. This systematic review will examine the responsibility and the role of the interdisciplinary team and lactation consultant in educating women to prevent unintended consequences of the use of recreational marijuana.

Publication: N/A

Diversity and Inclusion: All content, language, and references are diverse and inclusive relevant to all cultures, genders, family structures, social groups, and geographic settings.

Speaker: Maryelena Vargas, PhD, CCNE

Upon completion of this education, the learner will be able to:

1. Describe effects of marijuana use on fetal outcomes

2. Describe effects of marijuana use on breastfeeding children's outcomes

3. Acknowledge responsibilities/role of the interdisciplinary team/lactation consultant on educating pregnant/breastfeeding women about use of marijuana during pregnancy/breastfeeding

4. Interpret evidence available to determine specific methods to increase awareness/educate pregnant/breastfeeding women about effects of use of marijuana during pregnancy/breastfeeding

Learning Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

IBLCE Category: Pharmacology & Toxicology

Expiration Date: 30 November 2023

Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare. The presenter has no significant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any product(s) or provider(s) of any services relating to the subject matter of this presentation unless otherwise stated below.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

ILCA education is provided as a service to our members for continuing education, knowledge, and awareness. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and removes barriers. The views and opinions expressed in this education, including the choice of vocabulary, expressions, and use of supporting evidence-based research belong to the presenter. ILCA is steadfast in our commitment to present, learn, and discuss any information in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

ILCA's 2022 AGM: Recorded 13 July 2022

ILCA's 2021 AGM: Recorded 12 August 2021

Accelerating the Achievement of Global Breastfeeding Targets (E-CERP)

Overview:

Dr. Francesco Branca, MD, PhD, Director of the Department of Nutrition for Health & Development in the World Health Organization in Geneva, discusses new challenges on the protection from marketing infant formula and how to make health facilities more conducive to breastfeeding.

Upon completion, the learner will be able to:

1. Identify new challenges on the protection from marketing infant formula

2. Explain the global importance and status of breastfeeding

3. Discuss how to make health facilities more conducive to breastfeeding

Credit: 1.00 E CERPs and 1.00 Contact Hours

Source: ILCA Conference - 1-2 September 2021 (Houston, Texas, US)

Presented by: Francesco Branca, MD, PhD, World Health Organization

Learning Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Expiration Date: 31 July 2024

Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare. The presenter has no significant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any product(s) or provider(s) of any services relating to the subject matter of this presentation unless otherwise stated in the presentation.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

Independent Study Module for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants^®

Title: The Levels of SARS-CoV-2 Specific Antibodies in Human Milk Following Vaccination

Author(s): Hannah G. Juncker, MD, Sien J. Mulleners, BSc, Marit J. van Gils, PhD, Christianne J. M. de Groot, MD, PhD, Dasja Pajkrt, MD, PhD, Aniko Korosi, PhD, Johannes B. van Goudoever, MD, PhD, and Britt J. van Keulen, MD

Source: Journal of Human Lactation: 37(3) 2021

After completing this study module, the learner will be able to:

1. Describe the progression of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the breast milk of vaccinated lactating women

2. Identify the possible impact of antibodies in human milk on lactating women's decision to obtain COVID vaccination

3. List the benefits of human milk related to infection

1 L-CERP and contact hour(s)

IBLCE Category: Pharmacology & Toxicology

KEY TIPS FOR COMPLETING THIS MODULE:

1. Be sure to read the article more than once.

2. Read key messages and charts within the article.

3. Reference the article as you answer the questions.

4. Pay attention to keywords in the question prompt to help in locating the article section which contains the answer.

5. Reference the learning objectives of the study module in order to answer questions.

You will have two attempts to achieve a passing score of 70% on this module.

Expires: 12 May 2025

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Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare.

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

Sustainable Motherhood: The Impact of the use of Artificial Infant Milk on the Environment

Sustainable Maternity: Traditionally, Breastfeeding consultants have had abundant scientific evidence about the risks of not breastfeeding. Both risks for the baby and the mother, in the short and long term. As important as these are, we seem not to be able to attract a society that feeds on breast milk substitutes and believes that this causes no harm. The main objective of my presentation is to give the lactation consultant another area of evidence related to the current and vital issue of caring for the environment. During my presentation we will walk through the different areas of concern, beginning with the effects on land, erosion, deforestation, lowered productivity and biodiversity. Additionally, we will explore the huge water footprint in the manufacture of dry milk and water pollution. We will then touch on antibiotic use in cattle and the secondary effects on humans. More environmental impact topics will include air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, packaging, use of plastics, transportation, as well as the waste derived from the extra menstrual periods and lack of birth control. Breast milk is a valuable renewable natural resource, and is the most ecological existing food source. It is produced and delivered to the consumer in the same place, without using other resources, does not cause contamination and helps to ensure the nutrition of the weakest and poorest, when food security has become a concern.

Credit: 1.00 L CERP and 1.00 Contact Hours

Source: ILCA Webinar 20 May 2021

Presented by: Martha Alicia Ferraez de Lee MSP, IBCLC

Upon completion, the learner will be able to: 

1) State the relationship that exists between not breastfeeding, the making of artificial infant milk and the impact on the environment

2)  Identify 3 of the main effects that the making of breastmilk substitutes have on the environment

3) Distinguish changes in personal lifestyle to protect the environment but also in the way to teach mothers and families to help them measure the risks of not breastfeeding on the baby, the mother, the family, and the environment

Learning Level: Intermediate

Expiration Date: 19 July 2024

Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare. The presenter has no significant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any product(s) or provider(s) of any services relating to the subject matter of this presentation unless otherwise stated below.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

ILCA education is provided as a service to our members for continuing education, knowledge, and awareness. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and removes barriers. The views and opinions expressed in this education, including the choice of vocabulary, expressions, and use of supporting evidence-based research belong to the presenter. ILCA is steadfast in our commitment to present, learn, and discuss any information in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.

Independent Study Module for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants^®

Title: Postpartum Marijuana Use, Perceptions of Safety, and Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration: An Analysis of PRAMS Data From Seven States, 2017

Author(s): Kelsey C. Coy, MPH, Sarah C. Haight, MPH, Erica Anstey, PhD, MA, CLC, Althea M. Grant, PhD, Nan Ruffo, MPA, and Jean Y. Ko, PhD.

Source: Journal of Human Lactation 2021

After completing this study module, the learner will be able to:

1. Identify common characteristics of women who used marijuana during the postpartum period

2. Describe the relationship between the use of marijuana postpartum and breastfeeding

3. Describe the perceived safety of using marijuana among breastfeeding women

1 L-CERP and contact hour(s)

IBLCE Category: Clinical Skills; Pharmacology; Psychology, Sociology & Anthropology 

KEY TIPS FOR COMPLETING THIS MODULE:

1. Be sure to read the article more than once.

2. Read key messages and charts within the article.

3. Reference the article as you answer the questions.

4. Pay attention to keywords in the question prompt to help in locating the article section which contains the answer.

5. Reference the learning objectives of the study module in order to answer questions.

You will have two attempts to achieve a passing score of 70% on this module.

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Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare.

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

Independent Study Module for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants^®

Title: Reliability of Markers for Breast Hypoplasia in the Early Postpartum Period

Author(s): Renee L. Kam, BPhysio, IBCLC, Meagh Cullinane, BSc, PhD, Don Vicendese, PhD, and Lisa H. Amir, MBBS, MMed, PhD, IBCLC

Source: Journal of Human Lactation: 37(2) 2021

After completing this study module, the learner will be able to:

1. Evaluate the reliability of using intra-mammary width and certain breast appearances as markers of breast hypoplasia

2. Identify what breast hypoplasia looks like and how to measure breasts for the hypoplasia markers used in this study

3. Identify areas for future research

1 L-CERP and contact hour(s)

IBLCE Category: Clinical Skills; Pathology

KEY TIPS FOR COMPLETING THIS MODULE:

1. Be sure to read the article more than once.

2. Read key messages and charts within the article.

3. Reference the article as you answer the questions.

4. Pay attention to keywords in the question prompt to help in locating the article section which contains the answer.

5. Reference the learning objectives of the study module in order to answer questions.

You will have two attempts to achieve a passing score of 70% on this module.

Expires: 1 June 2025

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Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare.

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

DOCUMENTARY: We're Mammals

Breastfeeding challenges are prevalent particularly in the early stages after birth. According to a study published in Pediatrics 2013, 92% of women studied in the United States experienced breastfeeding challenges, including problems with latching, breastfeeding pain and milk quantity concerns. Breastfeeding is a physiological function of all mammals and once the basics are understood, supporting mothers and babies in the early stages becomes much easier. This documentary will explore how competent infants are at locating the breast and latching. Infants are hardwired to breastfeed, just like other mammals, and have inborn feeding behaviors that are easy to observe. This documentary is the lactation consultant's experience comparing her clients in Vancouver, Canada with rural areas of Iran. This education can help to demonstrate a new possibility for health care providers by offering simple and effective breastfeeding support.

Credit: 1.50 L CERP and 1.50 Contact Hour(s)

Source: Shared with permission by Shahrzad Tayebi, IBCLC 

Presented by: Shahrzad Tayebi, IBCLC

Upon completion, the learner will be able to:

1. Define the necessary elements of newborns' feeding behavior and the ability to self-latch

2. Describe the importance of the newborns' body freedom which is necessary to achieve a good latch

3. List 3 ways to support a mother and baby through exploring the "mammalian" approach to breastfeeding

4. Strategize 2 ways that they can play a flexible, non-interventionist and facilitative role in this process, in their own practice setting

Learning Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare. The presenter has no significant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any product(s) or provider(s) of any services relating to the subject matter of this presentation unless otherwise stated below.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

ILCA education is provided as a service to our members for continuing education, knowledge, and awareness. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and removes barriers. The views and opinions expressed in this webinar, including the choice of vocabulary and expressions, belong to the webinar presenter.  ILCA is steadfast in our commitment to present, learn, and discuss any information in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment - we believe that we are better together.

Expiration Date: 21 January 2024