Infant Anatomy & Physiology Online Course(s) & Continuing Education

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.

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.

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.

Clinical management of the breastfeeding mother and infant begins with accurate assessment of the issues that are affecting normal function. While breastfeeding is a dyadic activity, this presentation focuses on the infant. Specifically, the learner is invited to look closely at the individual baby, to observe facial tone and structure, and to identify any anomalies or restrictions in range-of-motion (such as those resulting from torticollis) that may negatively impact ability to breastfeed. Videos and photos will demonstrate both normal and abnormal presentations. Interventions will be proposed to assist infants who are unable to breastfeed so that they may continue to receive human milk, ideally from their own mothers, with an eventual goal of breastfeeding, if possible.

Knowledge of neuroanatomy, reflexes, and biomechanics as related to breastfeeding/chestfeeding is essential to IBCLC competency. This presentation will define breastfeeding/chestfeeding in terms of posture, movement, and reflexive function. Examples of neuromuscular dysfunction that impair breastfeeding will be provided. Strategies for treating neuromuscular dysfunction that impedes movement essential to breastfeeding/chestfeeding success will be reviewed along with new research on how participation in infant movement group classes facilitated maternal confidence in breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Presented by an IBCLC who is also a physical therapist, this presentation explores how breastfeeding/chestfeeding should be considered a first movement milestone fostered through interactive tummy time at the most basic and often effective level, and in need of more definition as such across the healthcare continuum. While alerting other healthcare professionals to this definition can help improve support for it, IBCLCs should be the clinical expert in its assessment and treatment as a foundation to collaboratively solving more complex movement impairments that challenge breastfeeding success.

How comfortable are you at identifying neuromusculoskeletal issues in babies. This lecture will explore the triad aspect of breastfeeding – neurological, muscular and skeletal. A review of the causes, main conditions combined with tips to help you recognize neuromusculoskeletal issues will provide you with a more astute eye during your evaluation. Treatment options will be reviewed in addition to a review of the chiropractic and lactation literature. This lecture should create awareness amongst health professionals about the importance of treating neuromusculoskeletal issues in baby to optimize breastfeeding!

Understanding the specific infant anatomy related to feeding function can unlock the mystery of why the baby is struggling and how to correct the problem. You will see very comprehensive video demonstration of normal function and easy to understand diagrams of common subluxation patterns. This presentation focuses on: (1) The infant cranial and spinal anatomy piece by piece and how it all interacts together; (2) The main muscles of breastfeeding function; (3) clinical presentations of common feeding challenges explained through the anatomy; and (4) correlations into other common infant pathologies of torticollis and Otitis Media.

Disorganized or absent infant reflexes can create challenges for breastfeeding/chestfeeding. This presentation takes a close look at the role of movement in the integration of disorganized infant reflexes and the use of rhythmic movement as a method for overcoming infant feeding challenges. This talk also covers socio-cultural impacts of trauma, lack of opportunity for movement, and modern care system barriers to reflex integration.

This session will look at sensory integration problems, now known as Sensory Processing Disorder. How might these difficulties impact the breastfeeding dyad and the family? We will describe this and present ideas on how to minimize the problems and support breastfeeding.

For an infant, breast/chestfeeding and sucking is the normal form of feeding. If an infant is born with an underlying neurological, muscular, genetic or anatomical disease or if neurological changes occur due to complications, this form of feeding may be disturbed. Since the interaction of breathing-sucking-swallowing requires the coordination of over 60 muscles and several cranial nerves, even small changes in physiology can throw the system out of balance. Congenital-Heart-Disease, Down Syndrome or a disorder of the central nervous system due to pre- or postnatal trauma, infection or structural defect differ in their symptoms, but what they all have in common is that sucking and oral intake of food can be impaired. When working with infants or lactating parents, children with sucking disorders due to an underlying disease may also be present. It is important to know which underlying diseases can have an impact on sucking and how the children and families can be supported to enable or improve oral feeding and to be able to assess which interdisciplinary team would be useful to ensure the best possible care.