Unlocking the Power and Dismantling the Bias: Lactation Education in a Digital World
There is no secret that compared to other industrialized nations that the breastfeeding and infant mortality rates in the United States are shameful. This is true in other parts of the world as well and often, part of the problem is poor access to quality information about breastfeeding. Not to mention the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic left even more birthing parents to fend for themselves and to lean on social media for support and "Dr. Google" to find the answers to the parenting challenges that plagued them.
What if lactation professionals and healthcare providers could help turn the negatives into positives? What if part of the solution to the dismal maternal mortality statistics and breastfeeding rates for Black and other marginalized parents was the dissemination of quality digital health content?
This presentation will explore the use of content creation as a means to engage, educate and advocate for marginalized families. It will also take a deeper dive into the health disparities that exist and the high stakes involved for families who lack resources and lactation support.
Mercedes Thomas is an advanced practice nurse, lactation consultant, writer, and health consultant. She is also the author of the best-selling book What in the Baby?!?: The Modern Mama's Guide to Confidently Caring for Your Baby and Surviving the Postpartum Period, written to help expectant mothers and new parents transition into the new normal of parenthood.
She has been in the nursing field for over a decade. Mercedes completed her undergraduate nursing studies at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and went on to earn her Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of South Alabama.
In 2020, Mercedes was named the Washington Parent Pick in the category of breastfeeding support. She has also been recognized by the founders of Black Breastfeeding Week as a "brave innovator" in her pursuits to support lactation care and education in her community. Her health articles have also been featured in outlets like Medical News Today, Verywell Health, and GoodRx.
As an extension of her immense passion for supporting parents, Mercedes also created the My Global Family app to connect parents to health and education service providers, reliable resources, and other families worldwide.
In Mercedes' downtime, you can find her globetrotting with her family, and advocating for families to have access to equitable, quality healthcare and breastfeeding services.
1. Describe the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality in the United States.
2. Describe the breastfeeding disparities that exist for marginalized populations.
3. Explain how digital health content and engagement tools can potentially lead to improved maternal and infant health outcomes.
There is no secret that compared to other industrialized nations that the breastfeeding and infant mortality rates in the United States are shameful. This is true in other parts of the world as well and often, part of the problem is poor access to quality information about breastfeeding. Not to mention the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic left even more birthing parents to fend for themselves and to lean on social media for support and "Dr. Google" to find the answers to the parenting challenges that plagued them.
What if lactation professionals and healthcare providers could help turn the negatives into positives? What if part of the solution to the dismal maternal mortality statistics and breastfeeding rates for Black and other marginalized parents was the dissemination of quality digital health content?
This presentation will explore the use of content creation as a means to engage, educate and advocate for marginalized families. It will also take a deeper dive into the health disparities that exist and the high stakes involved for families who lack resources and lactation support.
Accreditation
CERPs - Continuing Education Recognition Points
Applicable to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), Certified Lactation Educators (CLEs), Childbirth Educators (CBEs) and Doulas. GOLD Conferences has been designated as a Long Term Provider of CERPs by IBLCE--Approval #CLT114-07. This program is approved for 1 L-CERP.
AAFP CME Credits for Physicians & Nurses
The American Academy of Family Physicians has reviewed this activity and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. Term of approval is from 04/01/2025 to 04/01/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This activity is approved for 1 AAFP Elective CME credit.
Dietetic CPEUs - Continuing Professional Education Units
Applicable to Dieticians & Nutritionists, this program is approved for 1 Dietetic CPEU by the Commission on Dietetic Registration - the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Midwifery CEUs - MEAC / NARM Contact Hours
This program is accredited through the Midwifery Education & Accreditation Council (MEAC) for 1 Contact Hour (0.1 MEAC CEU).
It is also recognized by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) for 1 CEU/Contact Hour. Please note that 0.1 MEAC CEU is equivalent to 1.0 NARM CEU/Contact Hour.
Nurse Contact Hours
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Nurses Association Massachusetts, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission (ANCC) on Accreditation for 1 Nursing Contact Hour.
Nurse Contact Hours are valid until 04/02/2026.
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If you have already participated in this program, you are not eligible to receive additional credits for viewing it again. Please send us an email to [email protected] if you have any questions.
Additional Details
Viewing Time: 2 Weeks
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