GOLD Learning Speakers
Gretchen Becker Crabb, MSE, LPC, OTR/L, CLC, IMH-E
- Speaker Type: Early Years Symposium 2022, GOLD Lactation 2022, Clinical Support of Infant Sucking Skills Lecture Pack
- Country: USA
Biography:
Gretchen Becker Crabb is an Occupational Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Endorsed Infant Mental Health Therapist. She is also a Certified Lactation Counselor, retired La Leche League Leader, and Brazleton Newborn Observation (NBO) trainer.
Gretchen’s passion is rooted in fostering lifelong relationships and connection through co-regulation in pregnancy and beyond. Her unique approach to lactation support and therapy is rooted in culturally attuned sensory, somatic, and trauma-informed mental health techniques.
Gretchen owns and operates a private practice in Madison, Wisconsin. For 21 years, she has provided developmental, trauma, feeding, and attachment support for tiny humans and their caregivers in birth to three, preschool, private practice, and peer group settings. Gretchen is an international speaker, reflective supervisor, and infant mental health consultant. In these roles, she offers compassionate, experiential, and reflective holding spaces for professionals. She is a proud United States Air Force spouse and mother of three boys.
CE Library Presentation(s) Available Online:
Infant Mental Health: What Does It Look Like in Practice?
In this presentation, we will dive into the world of infant mental health and explore the unique ways that providers promote relationship development in families and communities for the first five years and beyond. We will discuss the basic philosophies and strategies used in the field of infant mental health, then engage together in an interactive and thought-provoking case study. Somatic techniques, reflective strategies and cultural considerations will be woven throughout to deepen learning and curiosity-- bringing the concepts to life and promoting the integration of infant mental health concepts into your daily practice.
Presentations:
8 | Hours / CE Credits: 8
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology, Infant Mental Health, Perinatal Mental Health
Scent-Sational Connections: The Role of Olfaction in Development
Though so obvious, the sense of smell is quite integral to well-being and human connection. As the loss of smell has been highlighted as one of the main symptoms of COVID, it invites a deeper understanding of the functional impacts of olfactory differences in children and caregivers. In this presentation, we will learn about the cultural history and neurological basis of olfaction. We will explore how smell plays a role in feeding, interpersonal relationships, and safety as well as olfactory strategies to promote physical health and co-regulation.
IMPORTANT: In this presentation we will do experiential work, so please have a journal, the following scents and food available:
One Citrus Scent (e.g. lemon, lime, orange)
One Woodsy/Earthy Scent (e.g. leaves, rocks, soil)
One article of clothing worn by someone you are close to (e.g. spouse, child, close friend, parent)
Carrot or other raw vegetable to eat
Presentations:
8 | Hours / CE Credits: 8
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
(IBCLC) Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology, Attachment & Relationships, Infant & Child Health & Development, Infant Development & Growth, Lactation & Breastfeeding
Vestibular Processing: Using the Sixth Sense to Support Lactation and Parent/Infant Relationships
The body’s ability to process sensory information provides the basis of all function. Interestingly, our most foundational sense of movement is often overlooked as a component of lactation support. In this presentation, we will tie together research in neurology, primitive reflexes, mental health, and sensory integration to demonstrate the significant impact vestibular function has on the quality of lactation and infant/caregiver relationships. Participants will enhance their observational skills and explore ways to provide support for body/breastfeeding dyads using a vestibular processing perspective. Experiential activities will offer participants the opportunity to play with movement and reflect on personal experiences to enhance self-awareness and compassionate care.
Presentations:
29 | Hours / CE Credits: 29.5
| Viewing Time: 8 Weeks
Hours / CE Credits: 1 (details) | Categories:
Breastfeeding Support
Sensory Processing and Breast/Bodyfeeding: Using Co-Regulation to Support the Feeding Relationship
Well-organized sensory systems provide the foundation for relational feeding. Sensory interactions communicate the story of the dyad, a window into strengths and challenges. Encouraging families to attune to their own sensory preferences and that of their infant can significantly influence the dynamics of the body/breastfeeding relationship.
This presentation will explore the basics of sensory processing as it relates to provider, parent, and infant co-regulation in the context of body/breastfeeding and lactation support. We will explore basic neurology and cultural influences of the 8 senses though dyadic examples. Ways in which subtle signs of sensory disorganization and sensory processing disorder present in body/breastfeeding relationships will also be reviewed. Participants will learn practical strength-based sensory strategies to support families in the beginning stages of life, feeding, and beyond.
Presentations:
6 | Hours / CE Credits: 6
| Viewing Time: 4 Weeks
