Presentation Information

Attendees will come to understand the underlying physiology behind antenatal surveillance methods, including non-stress testing, biophysical profiling, amniotic fluid assessment, and fetal Doppler velocimetry. Many pregnant families have difficulty understanding the nature of antenatal fetal surveillance, and have even more challenge deciphering the results. This lecture will help practitioners effectively counsel pregnant patients on result interpretation and provide tools to help families make educated decisions based on the antenatal fetal surveillance results.

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16-02-2021 20:00 16-02-2021 21:00 35 Antenatal Fetal Surveillance Made Easy Attendees will come to understand the underlying physiology behind antenatal surveillance methods, including non-stress testing, biophysical profiling, amniotic fluid assessment, and fetal Doppler velocimetry. Many pregnant families have difficulty understanding the nature of antenatal fetal surveillance, and have even more challenge deciphering the results. This lecture will help practitioners effectively counsel pregnant patients on result interpretation and provide tools to help families make educated decisions based on the antenatal fetal surveillance results. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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There is growing evidence that fear of childbirth (FOC) is an issue of importance for women’s emotional and psychological well-being. For some women symptoms are severe and disabling. A previous traumatic birth experience, sexual abuse, and traumatic childbirth stories of others and media may contribute to fear of giving birth.

Fear of childbirth has negative implications for women’s experiences of pregnancy and birth including longer labour, increased likelihood of augmentation of labour, emergency caesarean section, and elective caesarean section.

Access to services for women with fear of childbirth appears to be inequitable and various approaches and interventions are used. Assessment tools are available and readily implemented in practice to identify women fearful of childbirth and the severity of fear feelings, however a trauma informed approach to talking with fearful women is essential to discover the factors related to the fear and the commencement of a therapeutic relationship.

There is some evidence about interventions to help women fearful of childbirth. The webinar will assist midwives and nurses working in maternity know how to respond to fearful women and provide practical information about what to do, what to say and what not to say to support women experiencing fear of childbirth.

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10-02-2021 00:00 10-02-2021 01:00 35 Assessment and Management of Fear in Childbirth There is growing evidence that fear of childbirth (FOC) is an issue of importance for women’s emotional and psychological well-being. For some women symptoms are severe and disabling. A previous traumatic birth experience, sexual abuse, and traumatic childbirth stories of others and media may contribute to fear of giving birth. Fear of childbirth has negative implications for women’s experiences of pregnancy and birth including longer labour, increased likelihood of augmentation of labour, emergency caesarean section, and elective caesarean section. Access to services for women with fear of childbirth appears to be inequitable and various approaches and interventions are used. Assessment tools are available and readily implemented in practice to identify women fearful of childbirth and the severity of fear feelings, however a trauma informed approach to talking with fearful women is essential to discover the factors related to the fear and the commencement of a therapeutic relationship. There is some evidence about interventions to help women fearful of childbirth. The webinar will assist midwives and nurses working in maternity know how to respond to fearful women and provide practical information about what to do, what to say and what not to say to support women experiencing fear of childbirth. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Parental-foetal attachment is the emotional attachment between an expectant parent and their foetus and is a complex concept. Midwives have a vital role in promoting parental-foetal attachment. The presentation will outline the importance of promoting parental-foetal attachment and how expectant parents can connect with their babies in utero. This presentation will discuss how expectant parents have been supported during the pandemic to manage their fear, anxiety and stress, parental and partner separation.

It will conclude with the use of the items of antenatal attachment scales to discuss and suggest ways of promoting antenatal attachment to expectant parents. By collaboratively working between midwives, midwives can identify those that may be at risk of poor parental-foetal attachment, and ensure that coordinated, consistent and seamless care is provided for these families.

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22-02-2021 16:00 22-02-2021 17:15 35 Attachment Begins in Utero: The Vital Role of Facilitating Parental-Foetal Bonding Parental-foetal attachment is the emotional attachment between an expectant parent and their foetus and is a complex concept. Midwives have a vital role in promoting parental-foetal attachment. The presentation will outline the importance of promoting parental-foetal attachment and how expectant parents can connect with their babies in utero. This presentation will discuss how expectant parents have been supported during the pandemic to manage their fear, anxiety and stress, parental and partner separation. It will conclude with the use of the items of antenatal attachment scales to discuss and suggest ways of promoting antenatal attachment to expectant parents. By collaboratively working between midwives, midwives can identify those that may be at risk of poor parental-foetal attachment, and ensure that coordinated, consistent and seamless care is provided for these families. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Obesity affects more than 35% of women ages 20-39 in the United States. This presentation will summarize recent research that reconceptualizes obesity as adipose disease associated with smoking; socio-economic disparities in employment, education, health care access, food quality and availability; and environmental toxins, ultimately altering microbiomes and epigenetics. Obesity is an adaptation to an unhealthy environment more than poor individual eating choices. The female fetus forms her lifetime complement of ova during pregnancy; therefore, the effects of obesity may affect three generations in one pregnancy.

Individual prenatal care of women with obesity includes early testing for diabetes, counseling on epigenetic diets, advice supporting weight gain within national guidelines, and vigilance for signs of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Intrapartum care includes mechanical cervical ripening measures, patience with prolonged labor and uterotonic medication readiness in the event of postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum care includes thrombus risk amelioration through early ambulation, use of compression stockings and anticoagulation. Delays in lactogenesis II can be offset by measures to support early breastfeeding. Sociopolitical actions for midwives at national, state and community levels to reduce population disparities in racism, education, employment; reduce pollution from obesogenic chemicals and improvement of food quality and distribution policies will be reviewed.

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08-02-2021 18:00 08-02-2021 19:00 35 Caring for Three Generations at a Time: Clinical Perinatal Care of Individuals With Obesity Obesity affects more than 35% of women ages 20-39 in the United States. This presentation will summarize recent research that reconceptualizes obesity as adipose disease associated with smoking; socio-economic disparities in employment, education, health care access, food quality and availability; and environmental toxins, ultimately altering microbiomes and epigenetics. Obesity is an adaptation to an unhealthy environment more than poor individual eating choices. The female fetus forms her lifetime complement of ova during pregnancy; therefore, the effects of obesity may affect three generations in one pregnancy. Individual prenatal care of women with obesity includes early testing for diabetes, counseling on epigenetic diets, advice supporting weight gain within national guidelines, and vigilance for signs of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Intrapartum care includes mechanical cervical ripening measures, patience with prolonged labor and uterotonic medication readiness in the event of postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum care includes thrombus risk amelioration through early ambulation, use of compression stockings and anticoagulation. Delays in lactogenesis II can be offset by measures to support early breastfeeding. Sociopolitical actions for midwives at national, state and community levels to reduce population disparities in racism, education, employment; reduce pollution from obesogenic chemicals and improvement of food quality and distribution policies will be reviewed. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Epilepsy is a pre-existing, neurological disease present in 0.3%-0.5% of all pregnancies and is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality during the pregnancy continuum. These risks are often determined long before conception. This is because epilepsy and its treatment can impact on: education, employment, safety, menstruation, sexuality, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting, bone health, mental health, quality of life, driving status and independence. This trajectory and the quality of care received during the epilepsy journey can influence pregnancy presentation and outcome. The extremes can be a woman who has received expert epilepsy care and preconception preparation to ensure the risks were minimized when embarking on a planned pregnancy versus a woman who presents with an unplanned pregnancy having received no counselling, no epilepsy specialist care, prescribed a medication that is high risk to a developing baby whilst having uncontrolled seizures. These extremes highlight the need for maternity healthcare professionals to have awareness about the potential health burden associated with epilepsy, knowledge about seizure presentation and management, information about epilepsy treatments and understanding about potential risks to the women and her developing baby and how to reduce risks during pregnancy through joined-up, holistic, multi-professional healthcare provision.

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16-02-2021 16:00 16-02-2021 17:00 35 Epilepsy in Pregnancy: Reducing Risks with a Multiprofessional Healthcare Team Epilepsy is a pre-existing, neurological disease present in 0.3%-0.5% of all pregnancies and is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality during the pregnancy continuum. These risks are often determined long before conception. This is because epilepsy and its treatment can impact on: education, employment, safety, menstruation, sexuality, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting, bone health, mental health, quality of life, driving status and independence. This trajectory and the quality of care received during the epilepsy journey can influence pregnancy presentation and outcome. The extremes can be a woman who has received expert epilepsy care and preconception preparation to ensure the risks were minimized when embarking on a planned pregnancy versus a woman who presents with an unplanned pregnancy having received no counselling, no epilepsy specialist care, prescribed a medication that is high risk to a developing baby whilst having uncontrolled seizures. These extremes highlight the need for maternity healthcare professionals to have awareness about the potential health burden associated with epilepsy, knowledge about seizure presentation and management, information about epilepsy treatments and understanding about potential risks to the women and her developing baby and how to reduce risks during pregnancy through joined-up, holistic, multi-professional healthcare provision. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Since the formation of Canada in 1867, the Canadian government has systematically imposed a Euro-Western biomedical model of maternity care on Indigenous peoples. Colonialism and white supremacy rationalized the development of the Indian Residential School system with Christian organizations in attempts to “kill the Indian in the child.” Government goals were to civilize and assimilate Indigenous Peoples into a generic Canadian identity for the sake of nation building and colonial expansion. Eugenic ideologies underpinned the reduction of Indigenous populations through the forced, coercive, and covert sterilization of Indigenous women and girls. In Canada, two provinces had a Sexual Sterilization Act (Alberta and British Columbia), although it was practiced throughout the country. In the area of maternity care, Canadian healthcare systems have consistently failed Indigenous people and their children as evidenced by having highest IMR in Canada. Despite this, Indigenous midwifery and improved child and maternal health for Indigenous people, families, and communities can be realized. A return of birth to the land, recognition of Indigenous women’s and Two Spirit leadership in the provision of excellent culturally-informed, anti-colonial maternity care will contribute to the improved health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples.

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09-02-2021 20:00 09-02-2021 21:00 35 Indigenous Midwifery in Canada: A Primer for Improving Health and Well-Being Since the formation of Canada in 1867, the Canadian government has systematically imposed a Euro-Western biomedical model of maternity care on Indigenous peoples. Colonialism and white supremacy rationalized the development of the Indian Residential School system with Christian organizations in attempts to “kill the Indian in the child.” Government goals were to civilize and assimilate Indigenous Peoples into a generic Canadian identity for the sake of nation building and colonial expansion. Eugenic ideologies underpinned the reduction of Indigenous populations through the forced, coercive, and covert sterilization of Indigenous women and girls. In Canada, two provinces had a Sexual Sterilization Act (Alberta and British Columbia), although it was practiced throughout the country. In the area of maternity care, Canadian healthcare systems have consistently failed Indigenous people and their children as evidenced by having highest IMR in Canada. Despite this, Indigenous midwifery and improved child and maternal health for Indigenous people, families, and communities can be realized. A return of birth to the land, recognition of Indigenous women’s and Two Spirit leadership in the provision of excellent culturally-informed, anti-colonial maternity care will contribute to the improved health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Research confirms that misunderstanding a baby’s behavior decreases breastfeeding duration, lowers parent confidence and increases stress and postpartum depression. Literature on “Responsive Parenting” confirms how learning to notice, understand and respond appropriately to a baby’s behavior positively impacts early parenting, breastfeeding duration and the growth and development of a baby. Midwives are uniquely positioned to enhance a family’s ability to meet their parenting and breastfeeding goals. However, other research suggest that information provided patients does not always meet the needs of today’s young families. This presentation reviews efficient, cost-effective tools, tips and techniques that foster “Responsive Parenting”, boost the confidence of new parents and help families meet their breastfeeding goals.

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16-02-2021 18:00 16-02-2021 19:00 35 Midwives Hold a Key: Opening Doors to Early Parenting and Breastfeeding Success Research confirms that misunderstanding a baby’s behavior decreases breastfeeding duration, lowers parent confidence and increases stress and postpartum depression. Literature on “Responsive Parenting” confirms how learning to notice, understand and respond appropriately to a baby’s behavior positively impacts early parenting, breastfeeding duration and the growth and development of a baby. Midwives are uniquely positioned to enhance a family’s ability to meet their parenting and breastfeeding goals. However, other research suggest that information provided patients does not always meet the needs of today’s young families. This presentation reviews efficient, cost-effective tools, tips and techniques that foster “Responsive Parenting”, boost the confidence of new parents and help families meet their breastfeeding goals. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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The emergence of the global COVID-19 pandemic brought with it an unprecedented impact on birthing families and their care providers. The upheaval and uncertainties associated with changing policies and procedures, the challenges of shifting certain aspect of care to the virtual world, and the trauma experienced by birthing parents, babies and care providers alike, will have long lasting effects. This panel brings together midwives from different areas of the world to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on parents, babies, and care providers and the implications for the profession moving forward.

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10-02-2021 18:00 10-02-2021 19:00 35 Perspectives on the Impact of COVID-19 on Birthing Families and their Care Providers The emergence of the global COVID-19 pandemic brought with it an unprecedented impact on birthing families and their care providers. The upheaval and uncertainties associated with changing policies and procedures, the challenges of shifting certain aspect of care to the virtual world, and the trauma experienced by birthing parents, babies and care providers alike, will have long lasting effects. This panel brings together midwives from different areas of the world to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on parents, babies, and care providers and the implications for the profession moving forward. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most preventable causes of maternal death, yet it still ranks as one of the main conditions responsible for maternal mortality. PPH has serious adverse effects on maternal health including death, adult respiratory distress syndrome, coagulation disorders, shock, hysterectomy and loss of fertility. As bleeding after delivery is expected, women often do not realize the seriousness of their condition until it is too late and often do not survive to be referred to a more specialized level of care.

The diagnosis and management of PPH is complex, with the main challenge being the visual assessment of blood loss. As women are not able to warn healthcare providers timeously about their condition, the situation is compounded by poor clinical assessments, a lack of accuracy in diagnosis, lack of resources, and differing methods of treatment . Most of the primary maternity care in South Africa is provided by midwives, and the overall quality of care during the management of PPH is poor. In addition, the scope of practice of midwives is limited. Unless a registered midwife has a prescribing license, they may not administer any medications, with the exception of oxytocin. Midwives may also not perform any surgical interventions.

The purpose of this presentation will be to present evidence-based, effective, non-pharmacological methods of treating postpartum haemorrhage, which primary care midwives may find valuable in their practice.

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08-02-2021 14:00 08-02-2021 15:00 35 Postpartum Haemorrhage: Non-pharmacological Treatment for Primary Care Midwives Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most preventable causes of maternal death, yet it still ranks as one of the main conditions responsible for maternal mortality. PPH has serious adverse effects on maternal health including death, adult respiratory distress syndrome, coagulation disorders, shock, hysterectomy and loss of fertility. As bleeding after delivery is expected, women often do not realize the seriousness of their condition until it is too late and often do not survive to be referred to a more specialized level of care. The diagnosis and management of PPH is complex, with the main challenge being the visual assessment of blood loss. As women are not able to warn healthcare providers timeously about their condition, the situation is compounded by poor clinical assessments, a lack of accuracy in diagnosis, lack of resources, and differing methods of treatment . Most of the primary maternity care in South Africa is provided by midwives, and the overall quality of care during the management of PPH is poor. In addition, the scope of practice of midwives is limited. Unless a registered midwife has a prescribing license, they may not administer any medications, with the exception of oxytocin. Midwives may also not perform any surgical interventions. The purpose of this presentation will be to present evidence-based, effective, non-pharmacological methods of treating postpartum haemorrhage, which primary care midwives may find valuable in their practice. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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The presentation will describe the Caesarean section procedure and layers of tissue involved in the surgery including the techniques for wound closure. Surgical wound complications (SWC)will be discussed along with characteristics, and diagnostics involved. Best practice wound care, dressings and hygiene will be outlined. The signs and symptoms of wound dehiscence and infections will be described as well as management. Risk factors for delayed healing and SWC’s will be outlined and preventative measures discussed. World trends and statistics for Surgical birth and SWC’s will be highlighted.

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09-02-2021 22:00 09-02-2021 23:00 35 Protecting the Caesarean Birth Wound From Surgical Wound Complications(SWC) The presentation will describe the Caesarean section procedure and layers of tissue involved in the surgery including the techniques for wound closure. Surgical wound complications (SWC)will be discussed along with characteristics, and diagnostics involved. Best practice wound care, dressings and hygiene will be outlined. The signs and symptoms of wound dehiscence and infections will be described as well as management. Risk factors for delayed healing and SWC’s will be outlined and preventative measures discussed. World trends and statistics for Surgical birth and SWC’s will be highlighted. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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In order to resolve labor dystocia in an effective and holistic manner, a deeper understanding of pelvic anatomy and physiology is required. Pelvic dynamics, the mechanical relationship between the pelvis and the rest of the body, and the dynamic interaction of the mother/baby dyad offer the chance to view birth through different eyes. This knowledge can help the health care provider to recognise activities and lifestyles that increase the chances of labour dystocia. Furthermore, this understanding will help providers identify signs of a mechanical disruption during the birth process. This presentation will offer timely techniques and positions, based on the principles of biomechanics, that increase space in the pelvis and avoid medical intervention.

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08-02-2021 16:00 08-02-2021 17:00 35 Resolving Labour Dystocia Through Improved Understanding of Birth Biomechanics In order to resolve labor dystocia in an effective and holistic manner, a deeper understanding of pelvic anatomy and physiology is required. Pelvic dynamics, the mechanical relationship between the pelvis and the rest of the body, and the dynamic interaction of the mother/baby dyad offer the chance to view birth through different eyes. This knowledge can help the health care provider to recognise activities and lifestyles that increase the chances of labour dystocia. Furthermore, this understanding will help providers identify signs of a mechanical disruption during the birth process. This presentation will offer timely techniques and positions, based on the principles of biomechanics, that increase space in the pelvis and avoid medical intervention. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is currently recommended by numerous health authorities including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, and should be encouraged and supported prenatally, perinatally and postpartum. Despite these recommendations, the rate of sustained breastfeeding to six months of life remain low. Prenatal hand expression (PHE) is a method used to assist with colostrum collection beginning near term pregnancy. This technique is low-cost and easy to teach and learn. It has been shown to reduce problems with milk stasis, mastitis and breast engorgement by mobilizing colostrum and breastmilk. Learn more about how this technique can improve breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and how to implement it in your practice.

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16-02-2021 22:00 16-02-2021 23:00 35 The Value of Prenatal Hand Expression of Colostrum Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is currently recommended by numerous health authorities including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, and should be encouraged and supported prenatally, perinatally and postpartum. Despite these recommendations, the rate of sustained breastfeeding to six months of life remain low. Prenatal hand expression (PHE) is a method used to assist with colostrum collection beginning near term pregnancy. This technique is low-cost and easy to teach and learn. It has been shown to reduce problems with milk stasis, mastitis and breast engorgement by mobilizing colostrum and breastmilk. Learn more about how this technique can improve breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and how to implement it in your practice. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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The framework of trauma-informed care first emerged in the 1990s, proposed by sexual assault survivors as a structure for safe engagement with healthcare institutions and providers. Decades later, this approach to intimate care continues to exist more in theory than in standard practice. Exceptionalized circumstances in obstetrics and gynecology, such as the first pelvic exam, care for patients with a known history of sexual assault, or care for queer communities, often embody the ideals of trauma-informed care that could easily be extrapolated to all care interactions. The importance of intentionality in intimate care, including consent processes as well as physical touch, is all the more critical given publicized cases of providers physically and sexually assaulting patients. Further, as COVID-19 continues to affect individuals and communities worldwide, trauma now touches every person’s life in new and challenging ways. This holds the opportunity to facilitate a connected empathy between patients and providers, and thus a new possibility to integrate trauma-informed care into practice. This presentation will review the framework of trauma-informed care, detail best practices for pelvic care, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on intimate examinations, and challenge providers to modify current practices in order to create safe environments for empowering healthcare experiences.

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01-02-2021 17:00 01-02-2021 18:15 35 Trauma-Informed Pelvic Care In the Time of COVID-19 The framework of trauma-informed care first emerged in the 1990s, proposed by sexual assault survivors as a structure for safe engagement with healthcare institutions and providers. Decades later, this approach to intimate care continues to exist more in theory than in standard practice. Exceptionalized circumstances in obstetrics and gynecology, such as the first pelvic exam, care for patients with a known history of sexual assault, or care for queer communities, often embody the ideals of trauma-informed care that could easily be extrapolated to all care interactions. The importance of intentionality in intimate care, including consent processes as well as physical touch, is all the more critical given publicized cases of providers physically and sexually assaulting patients. Further, as COVID-19 continues to affect individuals and communities worldwide, trauma now touches every person’s life in new and challenging ways. This holds the opportunity to facilitate a connected empathy between patients and providers, and thus a new possibility to integrate trauma-informed care into practice. This presentation will review the framework of trauma-informed care, detail best practices for pelvic care, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on intimate examinations, and challenge providers to modify current practices in order to create safe environments for empowering healthcare experiences. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY

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Survivors of trauma are at an increased risk not only of experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms during their pregnancy, but also birth trauma and postpartum PTSD. Yet too often survivors’ needs are ignored and traditional childbirth preparation is neither trauma-informed nor supportive of survivors’ emotional experiences. This presentation envisions what childbirth preparation looks like from a trauma-informed perspective. It will explore how to create safety in our relationships with birth givers, how to help survivors feel their power, and how to hold space for their emotional journey to parenthood. I discuss the impact of previous trauma on birth givers in pregnancy and birth, and explore what can be done prenatally to prevent birth trauma. Participants will gain practical skills for supporting survivors’ emotional wellbeing and for helping them to plan for a safe birth experience. This involves rethinking the birth plan. Instead of merely articulating a birth givers’ preferences for or against interventions, a birth plan should be rethought as a Birth Support Plan: that is, it should communicate what a birth giver needs to feel safe, understood, and in control of the decisions they make around their care whether their birth goes to plan or not.

 

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"Birth trauma impacts at least 1 in 3 birthing people, but who is often left out of the picture? The partners. Vicarious trauma in birthing partners is very real, and yet there is little to no acknowledgment let alone resources to help.

Witnessing birth trauma in one’s partner has the potential to: (1) create severe cognitive dissonance (“I know what happened to my partner was wrong, yet I did nothing to stop it”), (2) contribute to unresolved feelings of shame, guilt, helplessness and rage, and/or difficulties with bonding (3) contribute to heightened nervous system activity (e.g., oscillating between ‘fight’ mode and ‘freeze’ mode), and (4) contribute to unhelpful, negative birth storytelling culture which minimizes the role of partners.

On the contrary, partners who are well supported (emotionally, cognitively and socially) have phenomenal potential for growth. In this presentation, we will explore what it means to work with partners through the lens of posttraumatic growth. How to validate and educate about trauma in a way that allows partners to step into self-compassion. We will explore how to inspire partners to see their own potential for growth, leadership and even advocacy.

 

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Throughout the world, about one-third of birthing women describe their births as “traumatic”. A significant number of these mothers will enter parenthood with symptoms of trauma, including intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, and health problems. Some will meet all the criteria for post-traumatic stress. This can impact bonding with the baby, breastfeeding, maternal mental health, physical health, dynamics within the family, and increases the potential for adverse experiences and future health concerns for the child. A traumatic experience also impacts her future birthing choices and experiences. Research identifies negative interactions with health care providers, particularly where the mother feels a sense of helplessness, as the most significant risk for a traumatic experience. This presentation examines the experiences of women to identify the key aspects of delivery-of-care that promotes a sense of helplessness. Understanding how routine elements of care can be perceived as disempowering will equip participants to implement significant changes in how care is delivered to reduce the potential for a traumatic experience for the mother.

 

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The overarching goal of this presentation is to raise awareness and provide practical approaches to improving Black maternal health through a community-driven, culturally relevant, social-ecological approach to optimize perinatal health. There is a fundamental need for multilevel interventions emerging from the lived- experience and expertise of Black women that provide support from early pregnancy through the end of the first postpartum year - - interventions that utilize a reproductive justice framework to address individual lifestyle behaviors in the context of resilience, family and relationships, along with community-level factors and institutional and societal barriers, including structural racism. Yet, a paucity of evidence-based treatments exist. To remedy this treatment gap, we will discuss a multidisciplinary approach to interacting with birthing folks. Address the impact of structural racism and respectful maternity care as it contributes to adverse outcomes for birthing families.

 

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After childbirth, between 3 and 9% of women develop trauma-related symptoms characterized by a constant state of alert as if the danger was still ongoing. This can include intrusive memories / intrusive images, sleeping disorders and signs of dissociation. Puerperal women may experience a sense of inadequacy and / or impotence. If untreated, these peri-traumatic issues can affect the mental and physical health of the mother. The follow-ups of a birth trauma can also lead to significant impairment in the construction of a secure prìmary relationship between the mother and the baby {the basis of the subsequent attachment bond). A secure attachment, on the other hand, is a protective factor against possible psychological and psychiatric problems in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. This presentation will will provide an introduction to the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for birth trauma and how it may be clinically applied in the maternity ward.

 

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"Grounded in the concept that “how you are is as important in what you do"" (Pawl & St. John, 1998), this presentation will allow participants the chance to learn about and engage in reflective practice. Reflective practice is the discipline of regularly “stepping back” to consider the meaning of what has transpired in relationships, and to examine one’s professional and personal responses to these interactions for the purpose of determining further action. (Emde, et al., 2001) Best practice suggests that by consistently engaging in reflective practice, we are better equipped to do our work in a relationship-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive way.

Our time together will begin with the exploration of the possible ways in which stress and dysregulation (as well as regulation) show up in our bodies, our work, and in our lives. Through the use of didactic instruction and experiential exercises, we will then spend time learning about and utilizing reflective practice to better understand how to best support our regulation and strengthen the connections we build with others including the parents and babies we serve. "

 

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Late preterm infants struggle with feeding challenges. Due to the oscillating nature of breastfeeding progress in the late preterm population coupled with the innate issues of prematurity, families need support to navigate waters toward breastfeeding success. A model for evidence-based education and breastfeeding assessment will be presented to support infant development and empower mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

 

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Most children, happily, encounter no significant illness during childhood. Of those who do, some will be breastfed. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, as well as continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate introduction of solid foods until the age of two years and beyond is recommended by the World Health Organisation. Breastfeeding is known to confer multiple well-documented protective properties, and the risks of not being breastfed are profound, even in well-developed countries.
Although breastfeeding reduces the overall risk of many serious childhood illnesses and malignancies, it is not a panacea. Many children who are breastfed optimally will still develop a serious health condition. This small group of children, and their families are an important population, with specific needs that are under-represented in policy, literature and professional training.
This presentation will identify specific childhood cancers, their prevalence and common treatments. It will also introduce some of the challenges experienced by parents breastfeeding their child through cancer, and some practical ways to support families facing this ordeal.

 

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Breastfeeding can sometimes be challenging for some families even when baby and mother are healthy. The Inmunological and nutritional benefits provided by breast milk must be considered when feeding any baby, it is by far the best start for babies that have any other disease where they can tend to suffer from multiple respiratory infections and other medical complications putting babies health, wellbeing and lives at risk. When there is a baby with a congenital cardiac disease we can face a lack of evidence and homogenous practices regarding breastfeeding. Many mothers feel helpless and many surgeons and cardiologists are not convinced that breastfeeding is better and easier for the infant with congenital heart disease. They are uncomfortable with not knowing the volume baby consumes and are not use to observing oxygen saturation an heart rate when the baby Is feeding at the breast. Current challenges in treating patients with chronic conditions include the prioritization of breastfeeding, identification of the most effective nutritional interventions, and the prevention or recovery of acquired growth failure.
Children with congenital heart disease who breastfeed have better growth, shorter hospital stays, and higher oxygen saturations than children with congenital heart disease who receive formula. It is necessary to support this families with evidenced based information to promote and support of breastfeeding to all mothers and babies. Create programs to meet the needs of this vulnerable babies and train surgical and pediatric staff of the neonatal surgery unit so they can support and facilitate a multidisciplinary work.

 

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Lactation professionals often hear from their clients that their breastfed babies have been diagnosed as lactose intolerance. This lack of understanding regarding types of lactose intolerance and potential issues with breastfeeding involving the newborn gut often lead to a cessation of breastfeeding. This session will cover the three main types of lactose intolerance, as well as galactosemia. Maternal gut damage and protein sensitivity and how that can impact the breastfed baby will also be addressed. Attendees will also learn about the most common foods that cause food sensitivity and allergy and what referrals are best made with these issues.

 

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Neurologic conditions often have a significant impact on the breastfeeding/chestfeeding dyad. The majority of these conditions are congenital, however some may be acquired during the first year of life. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding management of the hypotonic and hypertonic infant will be discussed. Hypotonic neurologic conditions that will be reviewed include floppy infant syndrome, infantile botulism, medullary lesions, Prader-Willi Syndrome and Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 21. The hypertonic neurologic conditions cerebral palsy and drug exposed infant will be discussed along with neural tube defects and Congenital Zika Syndrome. Case studies of special needs babies with these neurologic conditions will be presented.

 

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As a health professional you may find yourself supporting a mother who is breastfeeding or requires support to breastfeed her baby with Down syndrome. Babies with Down syndrome can often have additional health needs, which may affect how successful they are with breastfeeding. Down syndrome or trisomy 21 is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability for around 1 in 700 births worldwide. People with Down syndrome are not all the same but may have similar characteristic physical features, health and developmental challenges and some level of intellectual disability. Research has shown many benefits associated with breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome. It contributes to establishing long term skill development, particularly with speech and feeding skills, as well as aiding brain growth. It also provides an opportunity for mother baby bonding during stressful periods after learning of their baby’s diagnosis. Regardless of these known benefits, some mothers may nevertheless be told their baby will not be able breastfeed. This presentation will explore some of the common challenges mothers may face when breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome and tips on how to address these for the mother and baby. The material presented will also assist health professionals to support mothers with babies who may have similar health/developmental needs.

 

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Many assumptions exist about the origins and purpose of baby-boxes and their use as a safe infant sleep space; this misinformation needs correcting, especially as it relates to SIDS-reduction. Baby-box schemes take multiple forms from those motivated by social welfare to those motivated by commercial profit. Programmes offering carboard baby boxes to parents in England began in some NHS Trusts in 2016. We examined the pros and cons of English baby-box schemes via an independent evaluation conducted using telephone interviews and online surveys with healthcare providers and parents in all 7/9 NHS regions of England where baby-box schemes were established 2017-2019. The objectives were to produce recommendations for organisations considering involvement in future schemes. We found baby-box schemes changed over time, and were complex to run and monitor. Both parents and practitioners were misinformed about their purpose and origins. The English experience of partnership schemes between healthcare facilities and commercial box-providers reveals some success stories, along with multiple points of ambiguity, unanticipated difficulty, and concerns for infant safety. Sixteen recommendations are proposed for healthcare providers and organisations considering commercial - health-provider baby-box partnerships in future.

 

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Bedsharing promotes breastfeeding, but many authorities recommend against bedsharing for all mothers, citing safety concerns, particularly risk of sudden infant death syndrome or suffocation risks. Here we will review the normal physiology of mother-infant sleep, and the historical context in which such recommendations evolved. In addition, many populations have high rates of bedsharing with low rates of death. In this context, we will review the evidence around bedsharing and the most current evidence-based recommendations. Some risk factors for SIDS are more powerful than others, and we will review the best ways to minimize such risks, including a social-determinants of health approach. In some circumstances, bedsharing may carry particular risks and it is important to be able to discuss these issues with parents without stigma. We will discuss counseling of all parents in the “risk-minimization” approach, which would also allow for promotion of breastfeeding.

 

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Parents experience a lack of formal and informal education on normal newborn sleep patterns. This absence of information through group prenatal classes or perinatal appointments with healthcare providers results in unrealistic expectations of life with their newborn. Coupled with geographic isolation from extended family support systems or extended family members who have different recollections of newborn sleep patterns, parents turn to crowdsourcing information on social media. The prolific advertising of sleep training on social media platforms increases parental fear, leaving parents overwhelmed with the increasingly contradictory information on sleep and strategies for coping.

This presentation will address the situations that lead to unsafe bed sharing and social pressure to sleep train. Participants will have an understanding of the concerns that parents bring to sleep classes for both infants and toddlers. Collaborative strategies for responsive nighttime parenting that respects brain development; attachment theory, nighttime feeds, and balanced with parents need for sleep and self-care will be the focus. Opportunities for education that include online, individual and group opportunities will be offered including a collaborative effort between parents, family, community and healthcare providers.

 

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Sleep deprivation and disruption of an individual’s circadian patterns in the postnatal period are frequently cited as contributing factors in the development of postpartum depression, anxiety (PPD&A) or postpartum post-traumatic stress symptoms (P-PTSS). These factors are increased for the birthing parent of twins, triplets or more, who is more likely to bring two or more newborns home after experiencing perinatal complications and related interventions, and infants’ preterm birth, low birth weight and other complications, often resulting in neonatal intensive care unit stays. Even for a relatively ideal multiple pregnancy and birth, caring for two or more newborns – each having as many needs as any single-birth newborn – round-the-clock parenting generally leads to profound and often long-term sleep deprivation. When significant sleep deprivation affects a parent’s daytime behavior, all family members are affected. Yet current “safe sleep” recommendations or nighttime strategies promoting better sleep for parents and a single infant, including safer bedsharing techniques, are more difficult logistically to implement. These recommendations and strategies may also be less safe to implement with multiple infants. This session will examine the factors contributing to disruptive sleep for parents of multiples and develop strategies that meet both infants and parents needs for adequate sleep.

 

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Many parents become frustrated by their child's sleeping patterns. They may try to implement sleep schedules, or sleep training in an effort to try to manage their fatigue. However, understanding how sleep fundamentally works can not only optimise sleep, but also reduce parental frustration, improve connection, and increase confidence. Sleep occurs best in a non-stress state - therefore utilising strategies that increase child stress levels is likely to be counter-productive. Equally, experiencing stress for any reason may reduce the ease with which we can support sleep. This presentation discusses a holistic approach to supporting optimal regulation, attachment, emotional connectivity and naturally optimised sleep.

 

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