Closing Remarks and Plenary Session - Human Milk Feeding and Justice: First Do No Harm

Tracks: Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology, Clinical Skills (Education and Communication), Clinical Skills (Public Health and Advocacy)

Breastfeeding, chest-feeding and human milk feeding as a physiologic norm is a traditional and cultural practice for Black and Indigenous families. Leaning into the framework of "First Do No Harm", understanding one's own bias and misconceptions while honoring the legacy work of those who are doing systems change, is a necessary strategy in addressing systemic issues that have impacted those most marginalized by racism and colonialism. Utilizing storytelling and case studies, this session will give clear examples of how honoring traditional practices and the work, care and support given by representative community-based organizations, plays a major role in positive birth, breastfeeding and chest-feeding experiences for Black and Indigenous folx.

Learning Objectives: 

• Recognize the unjust implications that systemic racism in lactation care has for Black and Indigenous families and the lasting impacts on future generations
• Identify how bias in lactation care leads to harm
• Demonstrate strategies to improve experiences in lactation care among Black and Indigenous families 

Speakers: 
Jennifer Day, IBCLC, RLC – Co-Founder, Southeast Michigan IBCLC's of Color 

This session qualifies for 1.25 hours of E-CERP credit.