Presentation #1: Breastfeeding and Trauma

 Research and case studies have associated how child sexual abuse, intimate partner violence and birth trauma suffered by the mother and the baby can interfere with breastfeeding initiation and duration. 20-25% of women are sexually abused in their lifetime, many as children. The impact from this type of trauma can intensify during pregnancy and lead to breastfeeding difficulties. Increased medical intervention during labor and delivery has led to an upsurge of birth trauma, which can delay or reduce initial breastfeeding. By dissecting some of the research and case studies, this presentation identifies how trauma, either endured by mother, baby, or both can lead to failure to initiate breastfeeding, latch issues, milk supply problems, painful feeds and early cessation of breastfeeding. Both psychological and physiological damage can occur during this delicate postpartum period. When these issues are discovered, providers can put support systems in place to assist the new mother in achieving her breastfeeding goals. This presentation will help the provider to detect the sometimes subtle signs of trauma. By using the research and case studies, providers will learn how to best support women who are struggling with the backlash of trauma and abuse. Once trauma has been identified, taking care to problem solve is crucial for initiating and sustaining breastfeeding under difficult circumstances

Presentation #2: Breastfeeding and Epidural Use

 Increasing breastfeeding support to women who desire a medicated delivery may help to increase breastfeeding rates overall. Epidural anesthesia during labor and delivery and its possible impact on the breastfeeding dyad has been a controversial topic for many years. Numerous studies have been conducted to conclude whether or not women should accept epidural anesthesia without concern over breastfeeding issues. With epidural use becoming more common, we are left to wonder if women are aware of risks that may be involved. In Westernized countries, roughly 50–70% of birthing women have epidurals for pain relief (Cohain, 2010). The purpose of this research is to examine and identify potential issues associated with epidural anesthesia and how it may impede breastfeeding initiation and duration. This presentation will help the provider to become more aware of the possible negative effects that may prevail when epidural use duringlabor and delivery is promoted as safe for both mother and baby. It is the ethical responsibility of providers who are working with laboring women to be aware of the impact a medicalized delivery may have on the mother/baby dyad. Women should have the opportunity to make an informed decision about their medical care. It is the responsibility of providers who are working with new mothers and babies to recognize when breastfeeding is affected by medical intervention and are able to offer proper support.

Presentation #3: PostPartum Mood Disorders and Breastfeeding

Postpartum mood disorders adversely affect not only the health of the mother but also the relationship with her partner, interaction with her newborn and infant growth (Yusuff, Tang, Binns, Lee, 2015). There are several predictors that can help determine if a woman is at risk for postpartum mood disorders, including mental health history, social status, and labor and delivery. Researchers have found that when more medical interventions were used during labor, the higher the depressive symptoms for the mother. This presentation will aid personnel working with new families to be aware of the signs and syptoms of postpartum mood disorders and how to preserve the breastfeeding relationship.

Presentation #4: Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is a growing problem around the world. What happens when a woman who is struggling with addiction or who is recovering from addiction becomes pregnant? Is breastfeeding safe? We will look at the most recent research surrounding breastfeeding and opioid addiction, and examine a case study of a mother/baby dyad who had this experience.