Sejal is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), she combines her professional expertise with her personal instincts as a mother and a supportive team member.
She has been teaching infant massage classes in the community since 2014, both as a group class and private lessons. She uses her experience as an infant massage educator to teach parents how to bond with their babies through touch.
She also brings with her the following comprehensive toolkit:
CAPPA-certified postpartum doula since 2014
Certified in and facilitates TummyTime!™ method classes since 2014
Teaches Newborn Care and Breastfeeding classes
Certified in skin-to-skin care for full term infants from the United States Institute of Kangaroo Care
Certified Provider of Innate Postpartum Care
She has presented at ILCA 2018 and 2019 and at their local lactation association for Oregon and Washington on the topics of facial massage for infants and how infant’s posture impacts breastfeeding.
She strives to help each family by continuing to learn all she can about breastfeeding and parent-infant connection using the neurobiological lens.
When Sejal not with clients, you can find her at home in Hillsboro, Oregon with her husband, two kids, and a furbaby she loves to spoil.
Background: The benefits of massage have been shown in many research studies. Massage relieves stress, pain and muscle tension. We expect to show that the same benefits can be achieved when facial massage is used to optimize a baby’s oral structures to support a functional latch.
Method: We hope to use facial massage as a tool for babies that do not have an optimal latch. Babies born with gestational constraints, traumatic birth, exposure to stress during pregnancy or babies with tethered oral tissues may benefit from a parent massaging their face. Attendees will have access to handouts and a video link and may use their own face to practice the facial massage strokes.
Results: Building strength by oral and facial muscles, relaxing tension in the jaw, the lips, the muscles around the lips, and muscles of facial expression may help optimize the latch and hence prevent nipple damage.
Conclusion: IBCLCs can have an extra tool in their toolkit to offer to new parents. Facial massage techniques to support a functional latch can increase a parent’s confidence in caring for their baby, while increasing the levels of oxytocin and thereby promoting parent-infant bond
To Continue, Please Select Your Country of Residence
Whoops! Please select your Country before clicking "Submit"
The GOLD Learning Lecture Library is a unique & convenient resource for Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, Students and other Educators looking to stay up to date on the latest evidence-based skills and practices. Country Category pricing has been determined by World Bank Economic Indicators. Proof of residency may be requested. Learn more about our Category Pricing Here.