Post Frenotomy Wound Management and Bodily Autonomy
- Duration: 60 Mins
- Credits: 1 CERP, 1 L-CERP, 1 CME, 1 Dietetic CEU
- Learning Format: Webinar
- Handout: Yes
Abstract:
The most talked about discussions amongst parents or professional groups across the world is post frenotomy wound management. In the last 15-20 years of development, the field of oral restrictions has yet to see an evidence-based approach or even just a global consensus on approaches and their efficacy in wound management. Therefore lactation consultants, dentists, and surgeons have been using their clinical reasoning to choose the methods and protocols for individual breastfeeding dyads. Nevertheless, the current unregulated wound management protocols have been often reported as traumatic experiences for infants, parents, and care providers. Additionally, a physical oral examination of an infant during the assessment, evaluation, and treatment, and rehabilitation of oral restrictions is essential and vital in an IBCLC clinical practice. It's often seen as a ‘necessary evil’ in clinical work. Some infants may be at risk of reattachment and/or trauma which can have lifelong impacts such as triggers for past memories, anxiety, distress or discomfort, or even PTSD. This can lead to oral aversion symptoms, complete refusal to latch and breastfeed, turning away from food, and gagging, coughing, and choking. Therefore, a respectable trauma-informed approach to oral examination and wound management is based on the fundamental principles of respect for bodily autonomy ensuing a sense of safety, trust, and connection.
Learning Objectives:
1: Define body autonomy & trauma.
2: Describe key principles of performing a physical oral examination or wound care management within the framework of body autonomy to infants, particularly those with a history of birth trauma.
3: Describe trauma-informed gentle communication skills both verbal and nonverbal language, and maneuvers to communicate respect of body’s autonomy in order to restore a sense of safety, trust & connection during the clinical oral examination of infants.
