Supporting lactation and breastfeeding for medically fragile infants in the NICU and Early Intervention settings requires coordinated, interprofessional care. This seminar offers a practical overview of breastfeeding support grounded in infant-driven, developmentally appropriate feeding. Participants will review core aspects of neonatal feeding physiology, including readiness for oral feeding and suck, swallow, breathe coordination at the breast.
The course explores how prematurity, medical complexity, and neurodevelopmental differences can influence breastfeeding success. Presenters share practical, clinically relevant strategies such as positioning and latch support, pacing, flow management, and caregiver education that can be applied across settings. Attention is given to supporting safe feeding while honoring infant cues and family priorities.
A strong emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting the roles of certified lactation counselors, physical therapists, and medical providers in supporting breastfeeding dyads. The seminar also addresses trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to lactation support, including the impact of social determinants of health and systemic inequities on access and outcomes.
By the end of this seminar, clinicians will be better equipped to provide equitable, family-centered lactation and feeding care through collaborative, thoughtful, and developmentally responsive practice.
The course explores how prematurity, medical complexity, and neurodevelopmental differences can influence breastfeeding success. Presenters share practical, clinically relevant strategies such as positioning and latch support, pacing, flow management, and caregiver education that can be applied across settings. Attention is given to supporting safe feeding while honoring infant cues and family priorities.
A strong emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting the roles of certified lactation counselors, physical therapists, and medical providers in supporting breastfeeding dyads. The seminar also addresses trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to lactation support, including the impact of social determinants of health and systemic inequities on access and outcomes.
By the end of this seminar, clinicians will be better equipped to provide equitable, family-centered lactation and feeding care through collaborative, thoughtful, and developmentally responsive practice.
