GOLD Learning Speakers

The diagnosis of tongue tie can send parents reeling. Especially true when they receive conflicting information from the pediatrician, various lactation consultants, nurses and other parents. In this age of instant information and social marketing, everyone seems to be an expert. What is a parent to do? Who does a mother trust? What is the right course of action? Using case studies from over 20 years in the field, Renee takes us through the tongue tie journey from the evaluation through the myriad possible steps to successful breastfeeding. Assessment, revision, body work, maintaining milk supply and keeping mothers “in the game” until baby can breastfeed all present challenges to the practitioner. This is especially true since each dyad needs it's own individualized plan that may morph frequently as treatment progresses. Join Renee as she takes you through the process of identification through resolution from the experience of her clients. She will also explore some cultural/regional differences and the challenges working with families through the tongue tie roller coaster.

Lactation consultants and other breastfeeding helpers often find themselves in the uncomfortable position of disagreeing with a client's healthcare provider. No matter what the discipline or the nature of the disagreement, it can be very difficult to address in the moment at a consultation. It's even more treacherous when the HCP is the one who referred the client to you in the first place. How do you continue your great relationship with the provider? How do you help your client without being antagonistic? How do you maintain your client's trust in both you and her provider? In this presentation, Renee will share her journey with these tricky issues. Discover how she has learned from the mistakes she's made along the way, and how active listening has helped her relationships with both healthcare providers and clients.