Tongue-tie, Lip Tie & Structure Online Course(s) & Continuing Education
Access the latest clinical skills and research for Tongue-tie, Lip Tie & Structure for Lactation & Breastfeeding professional training. These Tongue-tie, Lip Tie & Structure online courses provide practice-changing skills and valuable perspectives from leading global experts. This Tongue-tie, Lip Tie & Structure education has been accredited for a variety of CEUs / CERPs and can be accessed on-demand, at your own pace.
First Do No Harm: The Importance of Assessment, Referral, and Collaborative of Ankyloglossia
Jenn Bio - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Birth Doula, Founder and Owner of Feed the Babes, LLC offers in-home and clinic-based, skilled breastfeeding support and birth doula services www.feedthebabes.com. Jennifer also serves as a Michigan Breastfeeding Network (MIBFN) Project Manager and as Co-Founder of the Southeast Michigan IBCLC's of Color. The married mother of two happy, healthy, breastfed children has made it her life mission to disrupt the broken system that plagues the families that are impacted by systemic racism. She's committed to showing up in the community, daily, and, by mentoring aspiring Black IBCLC’s, supporting equipping and empowering future trailblazers to change the world. She is a dual Canadian and American citizen, leader, public speaker, consultant, clinician, advocate, and educator. Collectively as a family, she, her husband and two children enjoy growing their own food, photography, videography and serving their community. They reside in Metro-Detroit, Michigan.
During this presentation, we will discuss how best practices in early referral of skilled lactation support can improve feeding outcomes. Centering Black and Indigenous families by collaboratively working together with early assessment, community referrals and continuum of care across care teams can prevent improper diagnoses of ankyloglossia which can be harmful for families seeking to reach their individual feeding goals.
Foundations of TOTS Assessment: Anatomy, Appearance, and Function
Lisa Lahey RN, IBCLC, OMT has worked for 23 years in maternal child health as a nurse and lactation consultant in L/D, postpartum, newborn nursery, NICU, and perinatal education. Lisa is currently working on her master's degree for Family Nurse Practitioner. An IBCLC for 20 years, Lisa has a special interest and expertise in tethered oral tissues. Lisa’s private practice Advanced Breastfeeding Care provides home visits or office consults for complex feeding issues as well as joyful breastfeeding. Lisa also provides myofunctional therapy to babies, children, and adults in a functional orthodontic office. Lisa is a contributing author to the book Tongue Tied. Lisa enjoys teaching assessment fundamentals and oral exercises when she lectures at conferences and courses. Clinical photography and nature photos are also a favorite hobby. Most of all, she is a mom to five children (all were breastfed) who keep her busy and remind her daily of life’s joys and treasures traveling and hiking with her family to unplug from a busy pace in life.
The IBCLC must develop and expand knowledge of the 3 foundations key to TOTs assessment which are anatomy, appearance, and function. This talk will review anatomy and physiology concepts, explore appearance of frenulums, and discuss current functional screening tools that can be utilized for assessment.
Frenectomy: The Importance of Anticipatory Guidance and Post Procedure Support
Dr. Agarwal went to medical school at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, in New Delhi, which is the premiere institution for medical training in India. After which, he came to the United States for his Pediatric Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Subsequently went on to join the Pediatric Nephrology fellowship at University of Florida at Gainesville. Under the program, he also conducted bench research at Ohio State University. Dr. Agarwal worked on the Eastern Shore of Virginia for eight years in general pediatrics before moving to Arizona to establish Agave Pediatrics in 2005. Over the years Dr. Agarwal has developed his own style of practicing pediatrics, which is strongly supportive of natural ways of taking care of children and emphasis on breastfeeding. During his practice, he realized that one of the biggest impairments in breastfeeding was the presence of labial and lingual ties. Having performed some procedures during medical school, he re-educated himself about the procedure and started performing them in 2007. In the last 15 years, Dr. Agarwal has performed more than 18000 frenotomies. Now, along with a busy clinical practice, he has made it his goal to spread the awareness about the issues related to labial and lingual ties to pediatricians, lactation consultants, doulas, midwives -everybody who helps mothers with the process of breastfeeding and in taking care of children with feeding and speech difficulties.
Frenectomy has become an increasingly more common procedure since the resurgence of interest in breastfeeding. Patient selection and anticipatory guidance provided to the family are key to success in reaching their goals. An honest discussion about the indications for doing the procedure and providing them with resources preemptively help in establishing trust and the future success of the procedure. After the procedure the care of the baby and the site are very intimidating to families and support at that time is vital to the success of the procedure. The post procedure experience can vary widely and to an extent depends on the family’s readiness. It is very important that post procedure be discussed before the procedure and support given after the procedure. Ultimately, the pre and post procedure interventions make the experience wholesome and conducive to successful breastfeeding.
From Head to Toe It's All Connected: Pediatric TMJD, Tongue Tie, and Chiropractic Care
Dr. Jenna Davis is a Family Chiropractor and owns a highly successful family wellness multidisciplinary clinic, Acorn Family Health and Wellness Centre, in Oakville, Ontario. Dr. Davis has a focus on Preconception, Infertility, Pre- and Postnatal care, Pediatrics, Retained Primitive Reflexes, Infant TMJD and Women’s Health. Dr. Davis loves working with families in all stages and has a unique ability to educate her practice members so they feel heard, honoured and understand how chiropractic can improve their function and life. She has a passion for educating and is an avid lecturer both in and out of her office. Dr. Jenna Davis is a mother, author, entrepreneur, educator and is a sought after speaker internationally sharing information on many topics including the Power of Communication, Infertility, Pediatrics, Retained Primitive Reflexes, Infant TMJD, TOTs (Tethered Oral Tissues), Team Approach to Health and Wellness, and Women’s Health. Dr. Davis created a technique in 2016, the P.I.P.S. Technique (Pediatric Intraoral Palate Specific Technique) specifically to assist with Infant TMJD, Sphenoid Fault, Tongue-tie, Lip-tie, Dural Tension and Oral Motor and Oral Sensory Challenges. Dr. Davis has develooped a unique approach to combine sensory, motor, developmental and function into the care and approach to her practice members. Dr. Davis is also the creator of Baby Boom Creations, a company that develops and provides products to assist patients and practitioners in office and at home. Dr. Davis has been a featured speaker on many stages in Canada, the United States, Australia and the UK. She prides herself on her continual quest for the newest information and research and is a life long learner. Dr. Davis has done extensive postgraduate work and continues to expand and grow her knowledge base and resource team to give the best care possible to her practice members and the audiences she has the honour to present to.
Every day in practice Dr. Jenna Davis witnesses how TOTs and Pediatric TMJD, when not addressed, may lead to postural changes, mouth breathing, and may impact craniofacial growth, posture, spinal alignment, development and lead to overall compensation. Ankylofrenula and associated tension is rarely a solitary issue. In this session, we will discuss how these infants may present, the examination process, discuss intraoral work including the PIPS (Pediatric Intraoral Palate Specific) Technique, assessment protocols, and Chiropractic Bodywork. Dr. Jenna will demonstrate other incredibly important exercises parents can add at home to assist with the tension and lack of function often associated with ankylofrenula and TMJD. Learning to assess intraorally is critical for long term improvement at all ages. In this session Dr. Davis will discuss intraoral, palate, and cranial to sacrum assessments and chiropractic adjustments (chiropractic bodywork) that can be done to assist with changes related to Tongue Tie, Pediatric TMJD and associated dural tension. Finally strategies for communication about bodywork, your findings and recommended strategies will be shared to maximize and strengthen your relationship with patients/families, professionals you may co-manage this special population with and your community.
Gamechangers: New studies that will change the way we think about tongue-tie
Dr. Hazelbaker has been a therapist in private practice for over 30 years. She specializes in cross-disciplinary treatment and to that end has taken training in several modalities to best assist her clients. She is a certified Craniosacral Therapist, a Lymph Drainage Therapy practitioner, a Tummy Time™ Trainer, a Haller Method practitioner, A Pre and Perinatal Psychology Educator, a Lactation Therapist Diplomate, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a fellow of the International Lactation Consultant Association.
She earned her Master’s Degree from Pacific Oaks College (Human Development specializing in Human Lactation) and her doctorate from The Union Institute and University (Psychology, specializing in Energetic and Transformational healing.)
People recognize her as an expert on infant sucking issues caused by various structural problems like torticollis, plagiocephaly, brachycephaly and tissue shock-trauma. She invented the Hazelbaker™ FingerFeeder and the Infant Breastfeeding CranioSacral Protocol™ to assist in the resolution of this type of infant sucking dysfunction.
Topic: Cranial Nerves: A Critical Component of the Process of Breastfeeding - [View Abstract]
Topic: Creating Flow: Using Lymphatic Drainage Therapy for Breastfeeding Issues - [View Abstract]
Topic: Finger Feeding: What Do We Know? What Should We Know? - [View Abstract]
Topic: Gamechangers: New studies that will change the way we think about tongue-tie - [View Abstract]
Topic: Infant Trauma: Impact on Breastfeeding - [View Abstract]
Topic: The Faux Tie: When is a "Tongue-tie" NOT a Tongue-tie? - [View Abstract]
Topic: The Impact of Bodywork on Infant Breastfeeding - [View Abstract]
Topic: What Does Torticollis Have to do with Breastfeeding? - [View Abstract]
This presentation examines several influential recent studies that will change the way we think about tongue-tie; the manner in which we examine, treat and perform therapy on babies. From the overall perspective of development, Dr. Hazelbaker looks at histology, speech development, posture, wound healing, lasers and airway integrity, citing the most exciting studies on these subjects, explaining how each will impact our philosophical, intellectual and clinical involvement with study findings. Further, Dr. Hazelbaker makes suggestions of how these various studies should guide our thinking about when and how to assess and treat tongue-tied infants.
Dr. Ankita Shah is a leading Airway Focused Dentist. She is also the President of the India Airway Co-LAB Chapter initiated by AAPMD, New York & The Breathe Institute, Los Angeles. Dr. Ankita is also the only Indian Ambassador to be trained by the renowned ENT & Sleep Surgeon Dr. Soroush Zaghi. The Tongue Tie & Sleep Institute headed by her focuses on providing a comprehensive, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to all problems Tongue Tie, Airway & TMJ. She wishes to change the way in which medicine has approached problems in the past and provide patients with a redefined experience to dentistry.
What are tethered oral tissues and what is the role of fascia? Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. How is the fascial system connected to TOTS? The condition of tongue-tie and lip-tie exists on a continuum with variable visibility and symptoms differently across the body through different age groups. Some restrictions, mainly anterior or “classic” tongue tie, are highly visible and easier to detect. However, “posterior” or submucosal tongue-ties are often more challenging to diagnose. Through this session, we will explore a detailed dissection of what is fascia and how the concept of tongue ties has evolved and changed with the role of fascia and its impacts with TOTS. It takes a village of specialists to treat this challenging problem. We will learn how we can help prevent a vicious circle of problems if treated early with a holistic integrative approach.
Infant Airway and Tongue-Tie: Importance of Breathing for Feeding, Growth and Development
Upon becoming a mother and struggling through breastfeeding both of her babies, René first began supporting breastfeeding as a peer counselor, with a desire to help others as she was helped, and continues to support families in this way. She became an IBCLC and started her private practice, First Food For Baby, to provide professional lactation care a few years later. Recognizing the need to serve underinsured and marginalized families, she founded the Phoenix based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, American Breastfeeding Foundation, in 2020 that will one day reach and support families nationwide, facilitating specialized care for underserved populations.
René loves helping families through their unique breastfeeding journey, providing guidance to avoid complications and empowering them to exceed their goals. She welcomes the challenge this brings, from the complexities of airway issues to feeding position experimentation. She cherishes the loving interactions between babies and their parents. She considers it an honor to be trusted with each precious new life and to witness the intimacy and beauty that is breastfeeding. She bases her foundational knowledge on evidence-based data and research but realizes that the human experience she’s has learned over the past 25 years is equally important.
This presentation is focused on infant airway as it relates to tongue-tie. Participants will learn to recognize subtle, unhealthy deviations from normal, healthy breathing, including general tongue presentation and breathing patterns (especially before and after tongue-tie release). This is important for many reasons but could be helpful in contributing to optimal frenectomy outcomes and avoiding regression. Additionally, the importance of identifying at risk infants to help avoid common misdiagnosis and labelling that is more often actually struggle with breathing and sleep will be discussed, all of which ultimately optimize breastfeeding outcomes and health for the lifespan.
Sarah is a Registered General Nurse, Health Visitor, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Tongue-tie Practitioner with a busy private practice based in Cambridgeshire, UK. Sarah worked as a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor for the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers for several years and continues to run a weekly breastfeeding support group as a volunteer. Sarah is a founder member and former Chair of The Association of Tongue-tie Practitioners in the UK and is the author of the book, ‘Why Tongue-tie Matters’. She offers an online course in tongue-tie and infant feeding in association with Babyem and provides education on infant feeding and tongue-tie for healthcare professionals and breastfeeding supporters in the public, private and volunteer sectors.
Topic: Is This a Tongue-Tie: How Do We Decide? - [View Abstract]
Topic: The Elephant In The Room - Bleeding Post Tongue-Tie Division - [View Abstract]
This presentation will discuss the difficulties that surround defining and assessing for tongue-tie. It will explore what we know about the role of the tongue in infant feeding by reviewing evidence from ultrasound studies and other research on latch and examining what this tells us about the normal functioning of the tongue. Various available assessment tools will be described along with how these may assist in differentiating between a normal and abnormal lingual frenulum. Also discussed will be other causes of tongue restriction and how to differentiate these from an abnormal lingual frenulum.
Lactation Skills for Supporting Dyads with Oral Restrictions
Christine Staricka is a Registered, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and trained childbirth educator. As the host of The Lactation Training Lab Podcast, her current role focuses on training and coaching current and aspiring lactation care providers. Christine created and developed The First 100 Hours© concept, an early lactation framework designed to support lactation care providers with the knowledge and mindset they need to help families optimize early lactation. Christine worked as a hospital-based IBCLC for 10 years and has over 20 years experience providing clinical lactation care and support. She provides clinical lactation care to families at Baby Café Bakersfield and serves as its Director. Christine recently completed 6 years of service on the Board of the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA.) She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Phoenix. She has been married for 27 years, lives in California, and is the proud mother of 3 amazing daughters.
Topic: Tongue-Tied and Troubled: A Breastfeeding Journey at Risk - [View Abstract]
Topic: Your Responsibility to the WHO Code: Evaluating Real-World Scenarios for Compliance - [View Abstract]
A growing body of work supports the lactation care provider in assessing, referring, and infant feeding after a revision of oral restrictions; far less has been said regarding ongoing lactation care when revision is not part of the plan in the short- or long-term. Whether because revision services are unavailable, inaccessible, or not desired by parents, the dyad that includes a baby with non-revised oral restrictions will require a customized plan to avoid problems of lactation related to infants with oral restrictions. This presentation will equip the lactation care provider with tools to support the identified population of dyads where the infant has or is suspected to have oral restrictions. (These tools shall include: a review of situations which might lead a dyad to be considered part of this specific population; a comprehensive understanding of the categories of potential problems of lactation associated with this population; and the creation of a lactation care plan with clinical skills specifically designed to consider and address the needs of a dyad in this population along the entire spectrum of normal lactation.) Lactation care providers in any setting and with any level of training will benefit from this review of the issue as it offers a deeper understanding of why particular tools, techniques, and routines might be required for this population as compared with other populations of dyads.
Navigating the Challenges of Tongue-Tie: Counseling and Anticipatory Guidance
Adrienne Guirguis, a board certified lactation consultant has over 25 years experience in helping breastfeeding infants and their families. She began her journey into the world of lactation after struggling to breastfeed her oldest son. She became an accredited La Leche League leader and was able to help babies breastfeed. Her experience with La Leche League led Adrienne to become a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has been board certified for 20 years and has experience with a wide range of problems that may be experienced by new families. Adrienne has worked in hospital for over 10 years and then worked in community health for many years. She is a clinical practitioner, working hands on with families to improve feeding outcomes.
Adrienne continues her lactation education, constantly attending conferences and courses to stay up-to-date on the information and skills needed to benefit those who most need breastfeeding help. In 2022 Adrienne completed the Holistic Integrative/Functional Lactation course, a year long program followed by a residency. This course has increased her skills to provide the best care for the families with whom she works.
Adrienne also is an educator, working within the community to teach others the skills necessary to become lactation counselors and eventually board certified lactation consultants.
Parents with infants who are having breastfeeding issues due to tongue tie, face a complicated journey of conflicting information and differing opinions, complicated care plans and challenging emotions. Providing anticipatory guidance about the education providers receive on tongue tie, the many faceted symptoms of tongue tie for both parent and infant, the functional assessment versus the appearance of tongue and compensatory behaviors are all important for the parents to be able to make informed decisions and successfully navigate their way back to successful breastfeeding. Learn more about how to provide necessary information in a compassionate and useful way to already overwhelmed parents.
