GOLD Learning Speakers
Melissa Cole, MS, IBCLC
- Speaker Type: Tongue-tie Lecture Pack 2014, GOLD Lactation 2013, GOLD Lactation 2015, Advanced Clinical & Business Skills for Private Practice 2016, , Tongue-Tie, Essential Lactation Skills Lecture Pack, Tools of the Lactation Trade Lecture Pack, GOLD Lactation 2020 , GOLD Learning Day 2020 - Level Up, Tongue Tie Symposium 2021, Translating Knowledge Into Practice: Creating Effective Lactation Care Plans Lecture Pack 2021, GOLD Lactation 2022, Tongue Tie Symposium 2023
- Country: U.S.A.
Biography:
Melissa Cole is a board-certified lactation consultant, neonatal oral-motor assessment professional and clinical herbalist in private practice. Melissa is passionate about providing comprehensive, holistic lactation support and improving the level of clinical lactation skills for health professional. She enjoys teaching, researching and writing about wellness and lactation-related topics. Her bachelor’s degree is in maternal/child health and lactation and her master’s degree is in therapeutic herbalism. Before pursuing her current path, Melissa’s background was in education and cultural arts, which has served her well in her work as a lactation consultant and healthcare educator. She loves living, working and playing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her 3 children.
CE Library Presentation(s) Available Online:
This Presentation is Currently Offline
New Thoughts on Infant Pre and Post-Frenotomy Care
A hotly debated topic among tongue tie professionals is pre and post-frenotomy care. Infants may have varying degrees of suck dysfunction and lip/ tongue mobility issues before and even after release. In addition, wound care of the incision sites, structural support, emotional support for the dyad and optimal feeding care plan formation is vital. Melissa Cole, IBCLC, RLC will present some pre and post-frenotomy case studies and care basics from her own clinical practice that have proven to improve frenotomy healing outcomes. Parents are often exhausted from the physical and emotional roller coaster that feeding a tongue/lip tied infant presents and sensitive care for the whole family is needed. Melissa also recognizes that pre and post-frenotomy care ‘best practice’ is still in its infancy and she proposes a call to research this subject matter further
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Infant, Frenotomy & Tongue Tie Treatment, Pre & Post Care
This Presentation is Currently Offline
Lactation After Loss
After losing an infant, grieving mothers may still have to cope with postpartum issues, including lactation. This presentation reviews and addresses care options for lactation concerns after pregnancy, neonatal, or infant loss. Currently, lactation care and advice after loss varies greatly. Lactation consultants are instrumental in providing mothers with anticipatory guidance and evidence-based care. Implementing system-wide training and education regarding this topic will help families receive the information they need to deal with the physiological aftermath of infant loss.
Hours / CE Credits: 0.5 (details) | Categories:
This Presentation is Currently Offline
Infant Gut Health: Common Concerns and Useful Support Strategies
This session will focus on common concerns regarding infant digestive health and useful support strategies that care providers can incorporate into their work with families. We will discuss what's normal and what's not in regards to stooling, spit up/reflux, colic/fussiness, and more. Many parents are coping with babies that are uncomfortable and unhappy due to gut health concerns. Dealing with a such a baby is emotionally and physically draining. Having a basic understanding of infant gut health and care strategies that optimize comfort and aid in overall digestive healing can be useful tools for any type of practitioner working with infants.
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Infant, (IBCLC) Infant, The Newborn Microbiome
This Presentation is Currently Offline
Placenta Medicine as a Galactogogue: Tradition or Trend?
For some mothers, insufficient milk supply impacts their ability to fully breastfeed their infants. Many of these mothers seek holistic options to increase their milk supply. Amongst some women, placenta medicine and/or postpartum placenta consumption as a purported galactogogue is a practice on the rise. There is some limited historical research, and more recently some phenomenological data, about the practice of placenta as a galactogogue. However little is truly known about the benefits and risks of placentophagy. Even less is known about whether or not placenta can be viewed as a galactogogue. This presentation aims to review the existing literature and purpose a further call for research in regards to placenta as a galactogogue.
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Pharmacology and Toxicology, (IBCLC) Physiology and Endocrinology, (IBCLC) Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology, Managing Milk Supply
Beyond the Basics of Latch: Support Strategies for Helping Babies when the Basics Aren’t Enough
In a perfect world, every baby would latch beautifully right after delivery and breastfeed happily ever after. In reality what we often see is that most moms and babies need a little help to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Many dyads need a lot of help. And a few mother/baby pairs need a miracle to breastfeed successfully. How can we best help those tough cases? There are many reasons babies struggle to latch and feed well. Some issues may include structural issues, physical discomfort, respiratory concerns, medical issues, digestive issues, poor feeding tool choices, prematurity, etc.
Many providers are frustrated when they are unable to help a dyad latch and feed successfully. This presentation will cover some reasons why babies struggle to latch and breastfeed well. We will go over cases that portray challenging situations and the assessment techniques and care plan strategies that helped. This session is designed to help providers implement critical thinking skills in order to think outside the box when it comes to difficult cases.
Presentations:
1 | Hours / CE Credits: 1
| Viewing Time: 2 Weeks
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6.25
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Will It Hurt? Frenotomy Aftercare Strategies to Optimize Healing Outcomes for the Newborn
There are a few emerging theories and clinical practice ideas when it comes to frenotomy aftercare for the newborn. Clinicians and families sometimes struggle with the idea of how to balance efficient post-frenotomy care while minimizing stress and discomfort of the newborn. While the evidence strongly points to the benefit of frenotomy for tongue-tied neonates, there is little published evidence regarding best aftercare practices. During this presentation we will explore the neonatal experience of pain along with pain management and oral healing strategies. We will also discuss the impact of stress on wound healing and focus on ways to help keep babies calm and happy through the recovery process. For families coping with a tongue-tied baby, it is often a physical and emotional roller coaster ride. This presentation will help provide a well-rounded view of frenotomy aftercare issues as well as clinical, care strategies to optimize healing and feeding for the newborn.
Presentations:
5 | Hours / CE Credits: 5
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Education and Communication, (IBCLC) Techniques, Pre & Post Care
Infant Oral Assessment: Exploring Anatomy and Function Beyond the Frenulum
Is it a tongue tie? What else could be going on? Having a deeper understanding of the orofacial complex and functional oral motor patterns can help take your assessment techniques to the next level. Curious about jaws, tongues, palates, oral tone, suck patterns, and more? This presentation will focus on understanding the finer details and the bigger picture when it comes to infant oral assessment.
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Presentations:
1 | Hours / CE Credits: 1
| Viewing Time: 2 Weeks
Beyond Fenugreek: An Individualized Approach to Dietary and Herbal Galactagogues
While some clinicians might roll their eyes when ‘lactation cookies’ are mentioned we know foods and herbs have long been used to nourish the postpartum parent and enhance lactation. Some topics this talk aims to cover: Does nourishment matter when it comes to breastmilk quality or quantity? How can we approach galactogogues for lactating mothers in an individualized way? How can clinicians evaluate evidence and determine safety regarding galactogogues? We know that parent coping with milk supply concerns are often desperate to ‘try anything’. Clinicians have an important role in helping families understand the risks and benefits of galactogogues. By helping parents identify resources and information around foods and herbs, we can help empower them to make informed choices.
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6.25
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Pharmacology and Toxicology, Managing Milk Supply, Medications & Herbs
A Case Study Approach to Critical Thinking Skills for Lactation Professionals
There are many reasons infants struggle to latch and feed well. Critically thinking through a case involves assessing all the variables that may be impacting feedings. This is no easy task when we must consider what is going on on the parent's side and the infant's side. How can we put all the pieces of a complex case together in order to be an effective lactation detective? This interactive session is designed to help providers implement critical thinking skills in order to think outside the box when it comes to difficult cases. Walk through the cases with me and put your skills to the test!
Presentations:
33 | Hours / CE Credits: 32.5
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6.25
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Presentations:
1 | Hours / CE Credits: 1
| Viewing Time: 2 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Education and Communication, (IBCLC) Equipment and Technology, (IBCLC) Ethical and Legal Issues, Lactation Case Studies
Thinking Critically About the Use of Clinical Lactation Tools
Having in-depth knowledge about clinical lactation tools should be a part of any lactation professional’s toolbox. In this session we will review evidence and clinical application of tools such as nipple shields, cup feeding, finger feeding, at-breast supplementation and bottles. Feeding-related tools may be needed during lactation for a variety of reasons but what are the benefits and risks? We will explore critical thinking strategies for tool selection. Clinicians that have a strong foundation in feeding tools can often help family’s find creative ways to meet their feeding goals faster than just a ‘wait and see’ approach.
This session will have you re-thinking how you think about feeding tools and when to use them.
Presentations:
4 | Hours / CE Credits: 4
| Viewing Time: 6 Weeks
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6.25
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Education and Communication, (IBCLC) Equipment and Technology, Breastfeeding Support
Connection and Care: Virtual Support for Tongue-Tied Infants
Providing virtual care has become a reality for many lactation professionals. How can we best consult families of tongue-tied babies virtually? How do we get the visual and functional information we need to guide our care when we are ‘hands-off’? This session will discuss strategies for health professionals working remotely including assessment, documentation, care plan formation, teamwork, and the referral process. While different than in-person consultations, virtual connection and excellent care for tongue-tied babies and their families is possible! Learning to adapt our practice style, gather information digitally, and pivot with the times is vital for our role in providing comprehensive lactation support virtually.
Presentations:
10 | Hours / CE Credits: 10
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Presentations:
5 | Hours / CE Credits: 5
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Education and Communication, (IBCLC) Equipment and Technology, (IBCLC) Pathology, Tongue & Lip Tie Assessment
Common Infant Digestive Health Concerns and Useful Support Strategies
This session will focus on common concerns regarding infant digestive health and useful support strategies that care providers can incorporate into their work with families. We will discuss what's normal and what's not in regard to stooling, spit up/reflux, colic/fussiness, food sensitivities, and more. Many parents are coping with babies that are uncomfortable and unhappy due to digestive health concerns. Dealing with a fussy, uncomfortable baby is emotionally and physically draining. Having a basic understanding of infant gut health and care strategies can be useful tools for any type of practitioner working with infants.
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Presentations:
1 | Hours / CE Credits: 1
| Viewing Time: 2 Weeks
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6.25
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Infant, Crying, Colic, Fussy Baby, The Newborn Microbiome
Low Milk Production Detective Work: Assessment and Care Plan Considerations
Concerns about low milk production can be frustrating for parents and clinicians alike. There are many reasons milk production can be compromised. How can lactation and health professionals best assess the root causes of the production issue at hand and suggest targeted, sustainable ideas? This presentation will help clinicians think about the ‘detective work’ needed to help provide personalized care. Through interactive case studies, participants will critically-think about assessment and care plan strategies for the families in their care that are struggling with low milk production.
Presentations:
29 | Hours / CE Credits: 29.5
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6.25
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
Presentations:
1 | Hours / CE Credits: 1.25
| Viewing Time: 2 Weeks
Presentations:
74 | Hours / CE Credits: 75
| Viewing Time: 52 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1.25 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Clinical Skills, (IBCLC) Pathology, Managing Milk Supply
Feeding is Movement: Activities for Supporting Optimal Infant Oral Function
Feeding is movement and some babies need personalized help when it comes to oral function and skills. This presentation covers critical thinking strategies around basic activities to support optimal infant oral function. We will review available evidence, contraindications, and targeted activities. We will discuss when and why to consider a variety of activities for the jaw, cheeks, tongue, palate, lips, and tongue. Learners will also recognize oral function concerns that require referral and connection to other allied health professionals.
Presentations:
10 | Hours / CE Credits: 10
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Presentations:
5 | Hours / CE Credits: 5
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Clinical Skills, (IBCLC) Education and Communication, (IBCLC) Infant, (IBCLC) Pathology, Breastfeeding the Tongue Tied Infant, Tongue-tie, Lip Tie & Structure
