The Physiotherapy Assessment of Breastfeeding Related Conditions: Maternal & Infant Factors (Online)
Maternal Factor:
Maternal portion of the course will teach participants to assess and manage lactation related conditions of the breast. Women’s health goes beyond the pelvis and physiotherapists can contribute a unique set of skills to this field. Participants will learn about breast anatomy and physiology, stages of lactation, mechanical and chemical causes of inflammation, clinical problem solving, and intervention options.
No previous experience in breast health is required. Labs include breast palpation and manual techniques.
Infant Factor:
Infant portion of the course will teach participants to assess and manage lactation related conditions in the infant. It will combine principles of musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy such as neonatal reflexes. Participants will learn about normal positioning and latch, infant suck mechanics, musculoskeletal conditions of the neck and jaw, handling techniques, clinical problem solving, and intervention options.
No previous experience in pediatrics is required.
Important Information
The Physiotherapy Assessment of Breastfeeding Related Conditions:
Maternal & Infant Factors (4 sections)
Registration
- 01
Course Objectives
- Understand the importance of breastfeeding for women, children, and society
- Outline the physiotherapist’s role in breastfeeding support
- Learn the physiology and anatomy of the lactating breast
- Develop clinical reasoning skills for the assessment of breastfeeding issues
- Practice a physiotherapy evaluation of the lactating breast
- Review clinical guidelines for mastitis and breast pain
- Establish an evidence-based, individualized treatment plan for breast conditions
- Practice physiotherapy techniques for treating the lactating breast
- Learn to measure outcomes and when to refer to other healthcare providers
- Review hygiene, protection, and safety for handling bodily fluids
- Learn the mechanics of infant latch and suck
- Develop clinical reasoning skills for the assessment of infant breastfeeding issues
- Understand conditions such as torticollis, plagiocephaly, tongue tie, lip tie, and palate anomalies
- Practice a physiotherapy evaluation of the breastfeeding infant
- Establish an evidence-based, individualized treatment plan
- Practice physiotherapy techniques for treating the breastfeeding infant
- Learn to measure outcomes and when to refer to other healthcare providers
- Review hygiene, protection, and safety for handling bodily fluids
- List Item
- 02
Course Schedule
Maternal Section 1
Nov. 1st (day 1) 19:00-20:30 Live-online learning (Montreal Time)
- Introductory Session
Nov. 2 to Nov. 11: Individual online asynchronous learning.
Maternal Section 2
Nov. 12 (day 2) 10:00-15:30 Live-online learning (Montreal Time)
- Lab
Infant Section 1
Nov. 13 to Nov. 24: Individual online asynchronous learning.
Infant Section 2
Nov. 25 (day 3) 10:00 - 18:00 Live-online learning (Montreal Time)
- Dyad Lab
Dec. 9 (day 4) 10:00 - 13:30 Live-online learning (Montreal Time)
- case histories and follow up session
Your Instructor
Mercedes received a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary in 2008, a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in 2010, a post-graduate certificate in pain management from the University of Alberta in 2014, and a Master of Health Management from McMaster University in 2018.
Mercedes has unique experience in physiotherapy for breastfeeding support and is an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). She is passionate about bringing a physiotherapy approach to the lactation world and bringing lactation into the physiotherapy practice.
Mercedes Eustergerling
BKin(Hon), MPT, MHM
Some testimonials from past participants:
"Great course and Mercedes was amazing. Thanks for this new opening in our practice!"
"Really enjoyed having moms come in with their babies - was such a great learning experience"
"Pathophysiologie de l'inflammation du sein et Évaluation du frein de langue, très intéressant"
"Very useful and practical info about the anatomy, physiology and conditions around BF and how to approach them."
"most interesting learning more about our role in testing the lactating breast as well as infant factors we can address"
"Some new knowledge for me, very complementary to my work with dyads in physio and osteo....Thanks, course was my missing link!! "
"Tout était intéressant."
"Intégration de plusieurs vidéos de manière facile et efficace. Faire théorie avec vidéo en préparation permet de le faire à son rythme et de pouvoir peser sur pause PRN"
"Bringing in real patients and lots of videos made it most interesting"
"The schedule allowed us to do the course at our own pace"