What to Do When the Laid-Back Breastfeeding Position Doesn’t Work…Self Attachment, the Flipple Technique and the Koala Hold All With a “Hands Off” Approach
- Duration: 75 Mins
- Credits: 1.25 CERP, 1.25 L-CERP
- Handout: Yes
Abstract:
As Lactation professionals we are taught and often reminded of the “laid back breastfeeding position” or “biological nursing” and how this can best facilitate a great latch. While this can be very useful and helpful in most cases, there will be circumstances where this position does not lead to a better latch and leaves the professional, the mother and the baby continuing to struggle.
This presentation will explain other useful and practical tips on how to help facilitate a baby to get the best latch possible, why the “look” of the latch does not matter, all while empowering the mother and baby to do it themselves, without physical help from the professional. The techniques covered include self-attachment in the side-lying position, self-attachment in the koala hold and trying the flipple technique to get as much breast tissue into the baby’s mouth as possible. This can be helpful for all babies struggling with latch including babies with tongue and/or lip ties. This presentation will include video examples and practical tips.
Learning Objectives:
a) Identify a mother/baby dyad who would benefit from an alternative to the “biological nursing” approach and have an understanding of different case studies where alternatives have been successful;
b) Facilitate and explain the flipple technique to the parent/s. Including the optimal position of both mother and baby while helping facilitate a mother/baby dyad trying different holds including the koala hold and side lying position while using the flipple technique;
c) Discuss why the “look” of the latch is irrelevant, what questions to ask the mother when helping with the latch and what information to gather to get a clear picture of what is going on for the mother and baby.
