Infant Anatomy & Physiology Online Course(s) & Continuing Education
Access the latest clinical skills and research for Infant Anatomy & Physiology for Lactation & Breastfeeding professional training. These Infant Anatomy & Physiology online courses provide practice-changing skills and valuable perspectives from leading global experts. This Infant Anatomy & Physiology education has been accredited for a variety of CEUs / CERPs and can be accessed on-demand, at your own pace.

Breastfeeding and Cranial Nerve Dysfunction – the what, who and why of Cranial Nerve Dysfunction in the newborn to precrawling baby

Michelle has been a pediatric neurodevelopmental Occupational therapist specializing in precrawling infants for over 26 years. She has specialty certifications and training in lactation, manual therapy, and pre and peri natal psychology. Michelle has specialized in optimal cranial nerve function and oral restrictions, with an emphasis on infant movement, innate biological imperatives and human potential, providing novel curriculums, support and resources for both professionals and parents. She enjoys collaborating and working in teams for babies and families going through the tethered oral tissues release process.
Topic: Breastfeeding and Cranial Nerve Dysfunction – the what, who and why of Cranial Nerve Dysfunction in the newborn to precrawling baby - [View Abstract]
Topic: Compensatory vs Novel Movements: 3 Keys for Babies With Tongue, Lip and Buccal Restrictions - [View Abstract]
Topic: Interoception: Beyond the Homunculus....The Real Sixth Sense and Its Primary Function as Sensory Input to the Autonomic Nervous System - [View Abstract]
Topic: The Vagus Nerve: Branchial Motor / Special Visceral Efferents: The Pharynx, Larynx, Soft Palate and one tiny tongue muscle - [View Abstract]
Topic: TummyTime!™ : A Therapeutic Strategy for Parents and Babies - [View Abstract]
Cranial Nerve Dsyfunction, CND, is a term used to describe a disruption, dysregulation or dysfunction in one or more cranial nerves in the precrawling period. Cranial Nerves are twelve, paired nerves, ten of which originate in the brainstem. They mediate all incoming sensory input and also help regulate, move and maintain the health of the muscles of the face, head, neck, jaw, tongue and throat. From sensing mother’s smell, touch, taste to rooting, latching and coordinating suck/swallow/breathe patterns, optimal cranial nerve function is paramount. Lactation consultants need to be able to identify CND, identify a couple of treatment interventions and know when to refer to appropriate health care professional such as OT, PT, Speech, or Manual Therapist/Bodyworker. CND explains how many tongue/lip tied babies who have had a frenotomy continue to struggle significantly with the activities and movements of optimal breastfeeding. Michelle will cover the basics of CND, a simple classification system, and her 4 Principle Functional Movement Protocol, which she states can optimize cranial nerve function in the precrawling baby and improve breastfeeding outcomes.

A Comprehensive Look at Breastfeeding Ecology: Infants' Innate Behaviors

Sejal Fichadia is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in private practice in Hillsboro, Oregon. She combines her professional expertise with her personal instincts as a mother and a supportive team member.
She holds a Bachelors in Microbiology and Clinical Laboratory Science.
She also brings with her the following comprehensive toolkit: CAPPA-certified postpartum doula since 2014, Certified as an infant massage educator (CEIM) and offers infant massage classes since 2014 and facilitates TummyTime!™ method classes since 2014. She is also formerly Certified in skin-to-skin care for full term infants from the United States Institute of Kangaroo Care and is a Certified Provider of Innate Postpartum Care.
She has presented at GOLD lactation, ILCA, and local organizations, both in person and virtually on the subjects of how infant and maternal posture influence breastfeeding, and how infant facial massage can help facilitate a functional latch.
She strives to help each family by continuing to learn all she can about breastfeeding ecology, breastfeeding movement and parent-infant connection using the neurobiological and infant mental health lens.
When she’s not with her clients, you can find her at home in Hillsboro, Oregon, USA, listening to bollywood music, hanging out with friends and spending time with her family.
Topic: Teaching Infant Facial Massage to Parents to Support a Functional Latch - [View Abstract]
Evaluating feeding and observing babies at the breast is a big part of what lactation professionals do. The privilege to observe babies at the breast in private practice at a much slower pace has provided a unique observation opportunity. Each baby and parent dyad is unique and so are the challenges that come with it. The focus of this interactive workshop is to help participants become astute observers of the infant’s movements and posture before and during feeding. It will further enhance their clinical skills by looking at the big picture of how the infant's innate behaviors ensure harmonious breastfeeding ecology. This presentation will take a deeper dive into how the infant’s use of their senses, and nine steps of the breast crawl not only lead to self-attachment but it also lays down the foundation for self-efficacy and self-regulation in babies.

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Babies With Suckling Dysfunction: Assessment and Coordination of Care

Leslie has been providing lactation support in Central New Jersey for over 18 years - as a La Leche League (LLL) leader since 2002, an IBCLC at Mercer County WIC from 2014 to 2016, and as a private practice IBCLC since 2011.
Leslie grew up in New York and New Jersey. She graduated from Cook College/Rutgers with a BS in Biochemistry, and from Rutgers University/UMDNJ with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Leslie's difficulties with early breastfeeding, the help she received from LLL, and challenges with returning to work laid the foundation for her understanding of the importance of skilled and compassionate lactation and infant feeding support.
Topic: Untangling the Big Picture of Tongue-Tie Assessment - [View Abstract]
IBCLCs assess chest/breast and bottle feeding skills and infant’s oral and body anatomy, and the motions that contribute to, or inhibit, the process of feeding as well as post-feeding comfort (digestion and elimination for infant, breast comfort for parent). When infants present with feeding dysfunction, the root of the issue could be from a variety of sources - effects of in utero positioning, prematurity, effects of birth interventions, tight frenulum (ties), asymmetric/tense muscles/fascia, neurological/ reflexive issues, low/high muscular tone, or suckling discoordination, suck-swallow-breathe discoordination, laryngomalacia, compensations for low supply, cleft lip/palate, and more. IBCLCs help families navigate the differential assessment of feeding dysfunction, and at the same time support the family’s feeding and milk supply choices.
This presentation will examine the role of the IBCLC when suckling dysfunction is occurring - for example aiding with latch and bottle feeding, oral/body exercises, referrals for oral evaluations and/or bodywork, or help with frenotomy pre/post work if needed. IBCLCs adjust the care plan as the infant’s feeding skills and parents’ goals grow and change. Developing the skills to aid oral function, and coordinate with specialized practitioners to aid this process, is crucial in order to determine the best course of clinical care, meet the families needs, and allow for the best possible outcome.

Breastfeeding as Movement: Case Studies on Posture, Movement and Reflexive Function in Complex Feeding Challenges

Allyson is a physical therapist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and co-owner of Nurture Columbus, in Columbus, Ohio. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Ohio University in 1997, and Master Physical Therapy degree from Northwestern University in 1999. After having a child in 2007, she volunteered as a La Leche League leader. She discovered a love for supporting new parents but a gap in lactation care, which led her to become an IBCLC in 2014. Her clinical approach to identifying and overcoming feeding challenges is unique with physical therapy foundations in posture, movement and reflexive function. Through presentations she endeavors to engage IBCLCs to know more about movement as related to human lactation, and PTs to learn about breastfeeding as related to human development. As past-president (2019-2021) of the Ohio Lactation Consultant Association, she also advocates for awareness of, equitable access to and insurance coverage for lactation care.
Knowledge of neuroanatomy, reflexes, and biomechanics as related to breastfeeding is essential to IBCLC competency. This presentation will define breastfeeding in terms of posture, movement, and reflexive function. Examples of neuromuscular dysfunction that impair breastfeeding will be provided through a series of case studies with emphasis on dissipating stress while empowering families with strategies to optimize movement essential to breastfeeding success. The presentation will build on the definition of breastfeeding as a first movement milestone strengthened through interactive tummy time at a most basic level, and through ongoing movement related assessment and treatment as necessary for complex feeding challenges. Also addressed will be some new research on pressure to breastfeed. Awareness of how IBCLC care might be perceived is important for establishing trust among families seeking it and the healthcare community referring to it.

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Breastfeeding With Ease: The Impact of Infant Reflex Emergence and Integration

Bryna is a lactation consultant, mentor, educator, and birth doula in the Pacific Northwestern United States. They are active in their community as an advocate for mutual aid, reproductive justice, and reduction in barriers to care. They also own and manage an inclusive private practice. As a member of both Queer and Neurodivergent communities, offering inclusive care on every level is very important to Bryna. Their vision is to offer information and tools to providers to build a community of comprehensive, concordant, and individualized care for all families in the perinatal period.
Topic: Breastfeeding With Ease: The Impact of Infant Reflex Emergence and Integration - [View Abstract]
Topic: Rhythmic Movement for Breastfeeding Function - [View Abstract]
Reflexes play an important role in role in an infant’s ability to feed effectively. This foundational presentation discusses the process of reflex emergence and integration, the importance of reflexes in breastfeeding/chestfeeding and the impact of disorganized or absent reflexes. Also covered will be the impacts of trauma on infant reflex integration and the role of the lactation consultant in assessment and referral.

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Dr. Gerner has been a Maternity and Pediatric Specialist in private practice for over 17 years with an additional focus on functional infant cranial work. She teaches other professionals to support breastfeeding across the USA and internationally. She is a wife, mother of 3 grown children, and lives in Northern CA with her husband and their 2 rescued dogs.
Topic: Introductions and Establishing the Value of Integration - [View Abstract]
Topic: Nitty Gritty Anatomy: The Cranium, Supporting Structure and the Muscle Layer - [View Abstract]
Topic: Tying It All Together- Consequences of Pathology and Ideal Collaboration - [View Abstract]
Biology often explains it all. Beyond the cranial and Musculo-skeletal system, the cerebral spinal/dural system and the cranial nerves play a huge roll not only in feeding function, but in the overall physical and cognitive health of the child. These systems are reciprocal- the structural system can cause neurological impairment; and likewise, neurological impairment can lead to structural imbalance and weak muscles. Many different therapeutic disciplines acknowledge this relationship in different ways. This presentation focuses on: (1) the cranial nerves specific to breastfeeding function; (2) The dura and CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) systems; (3) clinical presentations: Failure to thrive, colic, KISS/KIDD (4) Studies and articles from various approaches of care; and (5) the consequences of Cesarean Section on CSF and neuropathology.


Carlos González was born in Zaragoza, Spain, in 1960. He is married and is the father of three children. In 1983 he graduated in medicine at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, and between 1984 and 1987 he studied pediatrics at the Hospital of Sant Joan de Déu in that city.
He is founder and president of ACPAM (Catalan Association for Breastfeeding) since 1991. Since this association he has directed and taught in more than 100 courses on breastfeeding for health professionals.
He is the author of several books, including My child won’t eat, Kiss me!, and Breastfeeding made easy.
He has lectured for professionals or general public in Germany, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bolivia,
Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Spain, United States, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Russia, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Since 1994, he has been a regular contributor to Ser Padres magazine , where he attends a nursing and child feeding office. He has also collaborated with other publications, such as the magazine Tu Baby, Mente Sana, Lecturas, the disappeared Solaica and the newspaper in Catalan Ara.
Inappropriate use of growth charts can cause familiar anxiety, unnecessary supplementation, early weaning, unnecessary testing and force-feeding. With half of the population below the mean, at least a 3% of the average weight of people are (and have to be) under the third percentile. Percentile lines are mathematical constructions, and do not represent the actual growth patterns of individual babies.

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Dr. Jessie Young is a Pediatric Chiropractor near Olympia Washington who works closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and collaborative care. She has specialized education in treating breastfeeding difficulties and is near completion of her IBCLC certification. As part of a family's health care team, Dr. Young helps resolve musculoskeletal issues causing breastfeeding difficulties including neck tension, TMJ dysfunction, torticollis, and painful latch. She also provides pre and post-frenotomy care for musculoskeletal issues contributing to tethered oral tissue. Providers, parents and patients rely on Dr. Young for her comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approaches, including modified chiropractic adjustments, myofascial release, therapeutic exercise, and craniosacral techniques. Dr. Young currently volunteers to promote literature contributions and advancement as the Research Chair for the American Chiropractic Association Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics.
Identifying musculoskeletal issues that can impact breastfeeding is an important component of proper management. When surveyed, IBCLCs reported that half were not comfortable identifying musculoskeletal issues .Referrals for musculoskeletal problems were thus hypothesized to be delayed as a result of this discomfort. It was recommended that lactation professionals could benefit from more specialized training in identifying musculoskeletal issues, as early intervention for breastfeeding difficulties is a critical determinant in success.
Attendees will be able to take away the skills and tools to better identify musculoskeletal problems, the indications for co-management/referral and the safety and effectiveness of manual therapy for suboptimal breastfeeding . Issues such as TMJ dysfunction, postural asymmetry, cranial asymmetry, myofascial and joint restrictions commonly cause suboptimal breastfeeding. Current literature supports the fact that favorable outcomes are probable when these issues are treated with manual therapy. Thus the timely identification, referral, and resolution of musculoskeletal issues is one factor that can contribute to the resolution of breastfeeding difficulties.

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Jacqueline Kincer is the founder of Holistic Lactation where she runs a busy practice, manufacturers herbal supplements for lactation, and supports breastfeeding families worldwide. She's also the host of the podcast Breastfeeding Talk: Milk. Mindset. Motherhood. and creator of the online breastfeeding community, The Nurture Collective. Jacqueline's passion has been to create functional breastfeeding outcomes and expand access to lactation knowledge across the globe.
Topic: Inside the Infant Mouth: Oral Assessment & Function - [View Abstract]
Topic: Tongue Tied Untied: Creating Functional Breastfeeding Outcomes - [View Abstract]
In order to identify sucking dysfunction, it's important to first know what normal looks like. Being able to do a thorough oral assessment of an infant is a crucial skill for IBCLCs. The focus of this presentation is to discuss what to look for when performing an oral exam, as well as how to assess oral motor function as it relates to infant sucking skills. Knowing how the anatomy affects an infant's oral-motor skills is crucial to determining the cause of breast/chestfeeding problems and suggesting proper treatment.


Dr. Gerner has been a Maternity and Pediatric Specialist in private practice for over 17 years with an additional focus on functional infant cranial work. She teaches other professionals to support breastfeeding across the USA and internationally. She is a wife, mother of 3 grown children, and lives in Northern CA with her husband and their 2 rescued dogs.
Topic: Introductions and Establishing the Value of Integration - [View Abstract]
Topic: Nitty Gritty Anatomy: The Cranium, Supporting Structure and the Muscle Layer - [View Abstract]
Topic: Tying It All Together- Consequences of Pathology and Ideal Collaboration - [View Abstract]
Breast is best! We all know that; however, often parent and child struggle so much at the beginning that breastfeeding either isn’t possible or the parent becomes discouraged and gives up. When feeding challenges occur, sometimes the problem is not with the mother’s technique, but rather with the baby himself- barriers within the alignment and tone of his body causing abnormal function and preventing normal breastfeeding. There can also be tethered oral tissues present (tongue or lip ties) causing even more dysfunction. This presentation focuses on: (1) why breastfeeding is best- nutritionally and neurologically; (2) The cause of imbalance- The birth process; (3) the importance of the integrative collaboration of therapists- i.e. the LC, DDS, chiropractor and/or cranial therapist.