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Neonatal Summit: Navigating Prematurity, the NICU and Beyond

To help preemies survive and thrive you need to be on top of your game. But your days are non-stop and it’s tough to stay up to date on the newest evidence and best practices.

Register now for the Neonatal Course and discover the latest evidence and best practices for this vulnerable patient population.

This comprehensive course provides essential information and strategies for every practitioner who works with preemies... from the NICU team to early intervention rehab professionals. We take the most critical topics in neonatal care – from ventilation and heart defects to how trauma affects both patients and caregivers – and translate them into practical, real-world solutions you can implement the very next day.

After completing the course, you will walk away with:

Solutions for feeding challenges, both in the hospital and at home
Clinical strategies to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes
How to manage complex neonatal conditions including heart defects, sepsis, hyper/hypoglycemia, and NEC
Best practices for minimizing developmental delay, promoting growth, and reducing adverse neonatal outcomes
How to use trauma-informed care to support neonatal patients & families (and yourself!)
Best practices to reduce your liability and protect yourself from legal risks
New family-centered care strategies for preparing parents to transition from the NICU to home

Who should take this course? Nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, lactation consultants, and all other clinicians who take care of premature infants.

The Complete Neonatal Course:
Navigating Prematurity, the NICU and Beyond

Name: The Complete Neonatal Course: Navigating Prematurity, the NICU and Beyond
SKU: CRS001671
Price: 299.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$2,519.78 Total Value
Just $299.99 Today — Huge Savings!

Earn up to 30.25 CE hours, including up to 3.0 pharmacology CE hours and 5.75 IBLCE L-CERPS

You'll get training from an interdisciplinary team of 20 neonatal experts to elevate your knowledge... so that you can deliver the very best care.

Course Features

Inspiring session by Mary E. Coughlin, MS, NNP, RNC-E, nationally recognized neonatal care expert and author of Trauma-Informed Care in the NICU
Interdisciplinary training designed for ALL neonatal clinicians – Nurses, NPs, Lactation Consultants, PAs, PTs, SLPs, OTs, and more
20 leading specialists, including MDs, NPs, PTs, Psychologists, OTs, LCs, and PharmDs provide vital content
Earn up to 30.25 total CE hours including up to 3.0 pharmacology CE hours and 5.75 IBLCE L-CERPS
Many topics relevant to maintain your neonatal certification

You Get:

Unlimited access and replay for ALL sessions
Earn up to 30.25 CE hours
Expert guidance from interdisciplinary leading experts
Handouts and resources for each session
Learn on your own time and earn CE as you go

The Complete Neonatal Course

Transformative Nursing in the NICU: Trauma-informed, Age-appropriate Care

Mary E. Coughlin, MS, NNP, RNC-E | Click here for information about Mary Coughlin

The NICU experience is at best traumatic. Despite the lifesaving nature of the services provided in this highly technologically driven setting, one must not lose sight of the primary purpose of healthcare, to enhance the quality of life by enhancing health, with a goal of achieving a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Transforming the experience of care in the NICU for babies and families begins with the individual healthcare professional. The evolution of neonatology and medicine at large has taken us further and further away from our shared humanity and into a place where our patients and even ourselves are reduced to parts and functions.  Reconnecting with our own story, our values, and beliefs creates a bridge that restores our collective consciousness. When we can see ourselves in others, we open the door for more compassionate and loving encounters.  This new vision enables us to serve at our highest level, increasing our job satisfaction as we ease the suffering of others, which, in turn, reduces our own experience of compassion fatigue and burnout. 

This highly dynamic and emotional session will present the biology of trauma and how these experiences can be mitigated and buffered through authentic caring relationships grounded by love. 

Introduction

The Biology of Toxic Stress

Fetal Development
Developmental Trajectory
Long Term Consequences

Moderators of Toxic Stress

The Core Measures for Trauma-Informed Developmental Care
The Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
The Healing Power of Connection

The Power of Story

Trauma Exposure Responses
The Walking Wounded versus the Wounded Healer
Unitary Caring Science

Conclusion

The Preterm Brain: Development, Injury and Influence

Shannon Tinkler, MSN, CNS, RNC-NIC | Click here for information about Shannon Tinkler

The preterm brain is highly susceptible to injury and influence. Every interaction we have as providers can have significant influence on the long-term outcomes of this fragile population. Understanding the development of the preterm brain, the pathophysiology of injury and infection, and the influence of our daily interactions will help practitioners deliver the highest quality care to the tiniest of patients.

Structural development of the fetal brain from conception to term

Differences in brain complexity from 20-40 weeks
Structural brain and neural definitions and functions
Susceptibility to injury & infection

Sensory development of the brain and effects of outside influence due to preterm birth, injury, or illness

Sensory systems
Influence of pain on the preterm brain
Developmental care

Preterm brain injury-Pathophysiology and prevention

Intraventricular hemorrhage-stage classification and nuances of diagnosis
Periventricular Leukomalacia-definition and recognition
Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus-classification and treatment
Infection risks and strategies to prevent hospital-acquired infection

Shining a Spotlight on Feeding in the NICU and Beyond

Erin Sundseth Ross, PhD, CCC-SLP | Click here for information about Erin Ross

Current evidence suggests 40% of infants who begin life in the NICU have feeding or growth problems within the first four years of life. And yet the focus within the NICU is often on simply getting the infant to eat well enough to go home. It is not enough to establish oral feedings in the NICU – professionals need to understand the ongoing development of feeding to support these infants and their families both in the hospital and after discharge. This presentation will review what is known about the normal development of eating as well as detail what the challenges are for infants and families after discharge. It will provide a model for understanding what needs to be done differently in the NICU to change the long-term feeding outcomes of these fragile infants, as well as suggestions for interventions.

Struggles to establish safe, enjoyable feedings

Current research on starting feedings early to decrease length of stay
Research on feeding outcomes post-discharge
Feeding and growth projections

Are we the etiology for the poor long-term outcomes post-discharge?

A shift in the focus of feeding experiences in the NICU
Changes to feeding after discharge
Education

Published resources to guide professional practice

Best practices
Standards and competencies
Limitations to current research

What is Behavioral Health in the NICU?

LaTrice L. Dowtin, PhD, LCPC, NCSP, RPT | Click here for information about LaTrice L. Dowtin

Very often when families learn that the newest member of their family needs time in the NICU, panic strikes. Research shows that infant medical severity has no influence over family mental health during a NICU stay. That means whether a neonate simply needs more time to grow and feed in the NICU, family members may experience diagnosable conditions such as Acute Stress Disorder, anxiety (or postpartum anxiety), major depressive Disorder, or even posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to their infant’s NICU hospitalization. These diagnoses have been shown to negatively impact infant outcomes resulting in longer NICU stays, limited skin-to-skin contact, and even later developmental delays. In this session, you will improve your ability to accurately refer families for behavioral health services. Parental mental health, infant-parent bonding, and developmental care practices will be discussed so that you can help families gain positive health outcomes during their time in the NICU. Racial, cultural, and linguistic considerations will be reviewed.

What is Behavioral Health In the NICU?

Define behavioral health in NICU settings
Roles of psychology/counseling vs social work in many US hospital systems
Brief introduction into infant mental health

What is the Impact of Behavioral Health in the NICU?

Discuss infant outcomes
Examine infant-parent relational bonding in the NICU

When to refer to Behavioral Health in the NICU?

Explore common diagnostic outcomes for NICU families
Examine signs of significant parental distress
Brief review of select screening tools

Optimizing Ventilation of the Premature Infant

Michelle Donahoo, RRT-NPS | Click here for information about Michelle Donahoo

In the NICU any ventilation strategy aims to support the neonate's respiratory system during compromise while limiting any long-term damage to the lungs and the skin. In this session, we will review the many different ventilation modes and strategies that are available to assist with the optimization of non-invasive ventilation management and help the team make the best choice for treatment.

Standard NC

Type and indications

High flow NC

Review Vapotherm system
Review Optiflow system
Heating and Humidity

CPAP

Flow generated
Bubble
Heating and Humidity

Non-Invasive Ventilation modes in various ventilators

Review differences between a few ventilators and their NIV modes and how they work
Review interfaces differences connected to ventilator
- RAM NC
- F&P Interface
Heating and Humidity

Complications

Is My License on the Line? A Discussion of Legal Issues in the NICU

Jane Shannon MSN, RNC-NIC, CNL, LNC | Click here for information about Jane Shannon

Everyone has heard stories in the news regarding formula recalls, lawsuits for NEC, birth injuries, infants with permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy, and HIE. Nurses and healthcare workers are scared that they could be tried as a criminal if they make a mistake. This presentation will discuss legal issues pertinent to caring for patients in the neonatal intensive care setting, define negligence, and how caregivers of this vulnerable population can keep their patients and themselves safe.

Neonatal Nursing Standards of Care

Professional practice for RNs, graduate RNs and advanced practice nurses
Neonatal specialty
Certification requirements and expectations

Legal Thinking and Descriptions

Types of neonatal lawsuits
How to determine negligence
Anatomy of a deposition

Medical Errors In the NICU

Most common errors
Who is accountable for reporting
Just Culture
Reducing medical errors

Transition from NICU to Home: Great Expectations with Evaluation and Treatments

Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS | Click here for information about Karen Pryor

Evaluation of the fragile infant takes special skills and a family connection. There may be intensive treatments based on work - rest and goals established, to catch up milestones with their peers. Looking at the medical findings, scans, genetic tests, and equipment needs will provide knowledge about what is happening on the outside. Neurological findings enlighten the therapist to what is working and what may need to be rewired for optimum function. Accommodations may need to be designed for special cases. Tracheostomies, feeding tubes, and oxygen are a few items we must work around to encourage rolling, coming to sitting, and other milestones.

History

Neurological findings
Genetics

Function

Evaluate motor functions that are working
Assess what is not working well

Asymmetry – face, neck, trunk, upper and lower extremities

Positional movements

Tummy time
Supine positions
Side lying
Accommodations for tracheostomy, oxygen, tube feeding equipment

Asymmetrical presentations

Torticollis
Scoliosis
Tone
Arm and leg lengths

Determine pain influence

Methods of treatment
Myofascial assistance

Building a home program for the newborn

Activities to gently awaken the nervous system
Positioning and movement

Health Equity Within the NICU

Mrs. Ashley Randolph | Click here for information about Ashley Randolph

When a baby is born prematurely and needs to be hospitalized in the NICU it is an overwhelming experience for families. And when families with premature babies come from multicultural backgrounds, this experience is often even more challenging. In this session, Ashley Randolph will talk about the unique needs of parents of color in the NICU, including how cultural factors impact how a family responds to the NICU experience. She will review how NICU professionals and families can establish a relationship with all families that is based on trust, mutual respect, and positive consistent communication. You will be introduced to the skills, tools, and resources to deliver more equitable care in the NICU.

Outline coming soon!

The Complete Neonatal Course:
Navigating Prematurity, the NICU and Beyond

$2,519.78 Total Value
Just $299.99 Today — Huge Savings!

Earn up to 30.25 CE hours, including up to 3.0 pharmacology CE hours and 5.75 IBLCE L-CERPS

Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia in the Neonate
Includes 1.5 hours of pharmacology content

Julia Muzzy Williamson, PharmD, BCNSP, BPS | Click here for information about Julia Muzzy Williamson

Whether it is hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in a neonate, it signals a failure of the normal transition from fetal to postnatal patterns of glucose homeostasis, and both can lead to complications and are important risk factors for mortality and morbidity in the neonatal period. In this session, Julia Muzzy Williamson will provide a comprehensive overview of both conditions, their complex etiologies, and the most current guidelines for management. Learn how to work within the interdisciplinary team to treat these challenging conditions and improve outcomes for these little patients. Start of Collapsible area 1

Hyperglycemia
- Etiology
  - Prematurity and Intrauterine growth restriction
  - Increased stress hormones
  - Causes related to feeding/total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
  - Sepsis
  - Iatrogenic
  - Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus
  - Drugs
- Evaluation
- History and Physical
- Workup
- Glucose
- Electrolytes
- Differential Diagnoses
- Treatment and Management - Interdisciplinary
- Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR)
- Role of Insulin
Hypoglycemia
- Etiology
  - Insufficient glucose supply, with low glycogen or fat stores or poor mechanisms of glucose production
  - Increased glucose utilization (excessive insulin production or increased metabolic demand)
  - Failure of counter-regulatory mechanisms
- Evaluation
- History and Physical
- Workup
- Differential Diagnoses
- Treatment and Management - Interdisciplinary
- Early feeding
- Intravenous dextrose
- Second line - corticosteroids

Diagnosis to Transition: Comprehensive Management of Neonatal Heart Defects

Angela Gooden DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC/AC, NEA-BC | Click here for information about Angela Gooden

In neonates, a comprehensive approach to the management of known or suspected cardiac defects is critical to ensuring diagnosis and management. In this session, both right and left heart lesions will be covered to include early recognition, initial resuscitation and stabilization, systematic evaluation, and knowledge of immediate and long-term management strategies. Be prepared to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Incidence and prevalence of neonatal cardiac defects.

The rate of cardiac defects for live births in the United States per year.
The incidence and prevalence of critical cardiac defects.
Pre/post-natal diagnosis.

Nuances of transitional physiology in neonates.

Review fetal versus neonatal shunts.
Compare and contrast associated signs and symptoms.
Identify red flags.

Late presentation resuscitation, stabilization, and evaluation strategies.

Recognize clinical signs of late presentation.
Establish immediate goals of treatment and stabilization.
Review evaluation tools.

Critical congenital cardiac lesions.

Establish basic plans for immediate intervention including type and timing of surgical or catheter-based procedures.
Review lesion-specific pre/perioperative management.
Establish basic plans for long-term management and natural history of outcomes.

Enteral Feeding Practices and the Review of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Jennifer Humphries, DNP, CRNP, NNP-BC | Click here for information about Jennifer Humphries

Despite supporting evidence for enteral feedings for preterm infants, barriers to initiating and advancing enteral feeds exist, including fear of NEC or rapid weight gain. In this session, Dr. Humphries will share the evidence surrounding enteral feedings, especially early enteral feedings, and their impact on the overall health, growth, and development of the preterm infant. This session will also include a comprehensive overview of NEC including the current understanding of the disease, risk factors, pathophysiology, and epidemiology. We will discuss management and prevention of NEC in addition to new emerging research.

Nutritional Requirements for Preterm Infants

Human Milk Vs Formula
Nutrient per Kg
Growth chart
Benefits of Early Enteral Feedings

When to start enteral feeds

Stable infants
High risk infants
Colostrum as mouth care

Advancing Feeds/Full Feeds

Trophic feeds
Assessing Feed Tolerance
Rate of advancement

Barriers

Understanding best practice
Infants with congenital abnormalities of the GI tract or following GI surgery
Standardization of Practice across NICUs

NEC -

Etiology and Pathophysiology
Clinical indicators - Subtle Indicators
Systemic Signs
Laboratory Studies
Differential Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Management and Surgical indicators
Prognosis and complications related to NEC
Long term complications
Limitations of Research
Understanding all potential risks and causative factors

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Practice Essentials

Sue Bowles, DNP, APRN-CNS, RNC-NIC, CBC | Click here for information about Sue Bowles

Treating neonates with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome has often involved the separation of the mother-infant dyad and a NICU admission; something we know interrupts bonding and infant development. In the last several years a new family-centered model called Eat Sleep and Console (ESC) was developed. This model promotes maternal engagement, breastfeeding, the mother-infant dyad rooming-in, and a functional-based assessment of infants. The approach is a substantial change from previous NICU care using primarily a pharmacological approach based on a scoring tool to treat and care for these babies. This session will review the history of treating substance-exposed neonates, the development of the ESC model, and a functional approach to the assessment of a substance-exposed infant.

What is NAS/NOWs

Opioid Substances
Non-Opioid Substances
Etiology of NAS
Signs and Symptoms – Common, Acute, Subacute

Treatment and Intervention

Non-Pharmacologic Management
Pharmacologic Management

Eat, Sleep, Console: Rationale and Development

ESC assessments
Eating
Sleeping
Consoling

Parent/Caregiver Presence

Creating a supportive environment
Parent presence
Parent Teaching

Recommendations - Pearls of Wisdom

Advanced Airway Placement for Neonates

Michelle Donahoo, RRT-NPS | Click here for information about Michelle Donahoo

Airway management for newborns is the most important part of resuscitation. In this session you will hear the evidence for placing advanced airways such as endotracheal tubes (ETT). Michelle Donahoo will review ETT using a standard laryngoscope and video laryngoscopy systems. Additionally, she will review laryngeal mask airways (LMA) which are becoming more popular for first-line advanced airways. An overview of the indications and contraindications of both advanced airways will be included.

ETT intubation procedure

Standard laryngoscope
Video laryngoscope

LMA procedure

Indications, limitations, contraindications

Limitations of the research and potential risks

Review of EBP for intubation training and competency.

A Closer Look at ROP

Stephanie Abbu, DNP, RN, CNML | Click here for information about Stephanie Abbu

Every year up to 16,000 premature infants born in the United States are affected by retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This eye disease is the leading cause of childhood blindness in the world. The complexity of ROP care requires effective coordination and communication between the entire healthcare team, including the patient’s family. As neonatal caregivers, we need to look at barriers to ROP care and follow-up through a health equity lens, then develop patient-centered solutions to prevent vision loss.

History

History of retinopathy of prematurity and
How our understanding of it has evolved over time

Diagnosis/Treatment

Staging system
Diagnosis and treatment of high-risk neonates

Tracking

Standardizing personnel and roles
Monitoring post-discharge care
Communication interventions

Legal Issues

Liability
Malpractice

Health equity and disparities

Review barriers to ROP care and follow-up
Describe patient-oriented solutions to overcome barriers

Understanding the Complexity of Feeding & Eating

Kay A. Toomey, PhD | Click here for information about Kay A. Toomey

Many parents and professionals see eating as being an instinctive, automatic, and easy task that comes naturally to children. However, eating is actually the most complicated of human behaviors because it is the only body-based task humans do that involves all 7 areas of human function. Not only do each of these areas need to work correctly individually, but they also need to integrate and coordinate amongst, across, and within all 7 areas in order to eat and grow well. IJoin feeding and eating expert, Dr. Kay Toomey, in this two-hour workshop where she’ll share the complexity of feeding from a multidisciplinary perspective and outline the 7 areas necessary for thorough and accurate Feeding Assessments and Treatments.

Scope of the Problem 
When Children Struggle to Eat 
Why Children Struggle to Eat 
Being Able to Eat & Grow Well -  Seven Areas of Human Function  
Pediatric Feeding Disorder

Neurochemistry & Self-Regulation: Strategies to Improve Behavior & Emotions

Gwen Wild, MOT, OTR/L | Click here for information about Gwen Wild

Knowing the correlation between neurochemistry and self-regulation will help you better develop appropriate interventions for challenging behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, anxiety, trauma, behavior/mood disorders, and learning disabilities. Learn clinically proven neurological approaches to immediately improve behaviors, such as hyperactivity, aggression, frequent meltdowns, extreme sensory sensitivities, inattentiveness, and more! Leave with access to simple screening tools to identify possible neurochemical differences and the knowledge to impact neurochemical change. Case studies and active participation in strategies to impact change will solidify your learning.

Neurotransmitters 

5 of the most important NTs
Primary roles
Function of neurons
Major neurochemicals that impact self-reg

Addressing Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Signs and symptoms
How to increase or decrease major NTs
Active participation in strategies to impact NT and enhance self-regulation
Screening tools and intervention strategies
Choose strategies based on desired neurochemical changes

Primitive Reflex Integration Through Neuroplasticity Treatment Techniques

Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS | Click here for information about Karen Pryor

Therapists frequently see primitive reflex patterns in pediatric cases. Sensory experiences govern primitive reflexes. When treatment is directed around the level of the lesion, integration begins. Rather than management of symptoms alone, neuroplasticity provides effective tools to place primitive reflex patterns in the background of the nervous system, allowing more voluntary movement.

Function Related to Neurological Anatomy

Brain and brain stem anatomy
CNS lobes and layers related to function
Why spastic patterns are demonstrated
How to apply neuroplasticity techniques

Neurological System of the Pediatric Patient

Neurological damage effects relating to specific regions of the brain and brain stem
Instruction related to specific area of the CNS
Demonstration of neurological patterns
Form a basis of therapeutic neuromotor rewiring around damaged areas

Change Connections in the CNS

Target brain regions to treat
Neuroplasticity techniques to decrease the tone of spastic patterns and allow active movements
Relate simple treatments for use in home programs

Motor Skills Learning & Exploration: Early Intervention for Independence & Problem-Solving

Paula Cox, PT, DSc, PCS | Click here for information about Paula J Cox

Autonomy in movement is life-changing – and you’re at the front lines, working to facilitate that change for your patients. Positively impact clinical outcomes with evidence-based therapeutic strategies to effectively examine and intervene. By identifying issues early on and addressing them, the brain’s plasticity allows the impact of your interventions to be much more comprehensive. You’ll be able to customize treatment plans for each child’s unique challenges and also offer solutions for their parents to integrate into their daily lives. Learn how to apply innovative techniques that completely redefine what’s possible for your patients’ independence and problem-solving.

Maximize potential for independent motor exploration
Framework for effective examination, intervention and outcome measurement
Contributing to the Early Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy

Bilingual Parent Coaching in Early Intervention Settings

Jennifer Gray, MS, CCC-SLP | Click here for information about Jennifer Gray

Many bilingual families and therapists are struggling to navigate culture and language barriers as well as Early Intervention telehealth services. As daunting as these seem, there’s no need to worry!

Watch this exciting new session as Jennifer Gray demonstrates how to serve bilingual families in Early Intervention settings with proficiency. You’ll finish with the confidence to make informed decisions about how to work with bilingual families!

Parent and Therapist roles in Early Intervention Bilingual homes
I am not Fluently Bilingual/Multilingual. What are My Options?
Parent Coaching
End the Blame Game
Do This not That

Adapting Pediatric Feeding Therapy for the Clinic, Home, School, and Online – Not Just the Kitchen Table

Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S | Click here for information about Angela Mansolillo

As feeding and swallow specialists, we are challenged with adapting our interventions to all the environments children eat in. Join in to learn concrete strategies to customize your interventions for home, school, the sitter’s...and a hundred other places!

You will finish armed with pediatric feeding strategies that will allow you to manage medical issues related to respiration, airway, and aspiration in non-medical environments, design effective individual and group feeding environments in school settings, and more!

Whether you currently work in pediatric feeding or are new to the field, Angela offers new tips and tools that make it easy to understand and easy to implement.

Feeding Environments
There’s No Place Like Home
School-Based Feeding Therapy
Medical Settings
Making Teletherapy Work

Neonatal Sepsis
Includes 0.5 hours of pharmacology content

Mel Cook, MSN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, PHN, DNP-c | Click here for information about Mel Cook

One of the most common clinical issues you will encounter while working in the NICU is neonatal sepsis. Do you feel confident in identifying a neonate’s unique risk factors, along with recognizing the subtle signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis? What about collecting and analyzing the relevant diagnostics, integrating multiple clinical interventions, and participating in infection prevention measures, all the while promoting family engagement to best manage these situations? Or would you like a refresher? Whether you are a 20-year NICU veteran, transitioning to the NICU, or a new grad, this dynamic course led by Mel Cook will equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to effectively manage neonatal sepsis.

What is Neonatal Sepsis

Impact
How the Immune System Works
Routes of Transmission

Risk Factors

Maternal
Neonatal
Hospital

Early Onset Sepsis

Definition
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Escherichia Coli (E. Coli)

Late Onset Sepsis (LOS)

Definition
Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus (Coag-Neg Staph)
Care Bundle

Clinical Presentation

Vital Signs
Early Clinical Presentation
Late Clinical Presentation
Differential Diagnosis

Diagnostics

Blood Culture
Complete Blood Count with Differential
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Lumbar Puncture

Clinical Treatments

Antibiotics
Respiratory Support
Hemodynamics

Family Perceptions

Sepsis is Traumatic
Family-Centered Care
NICU Caregiver Considerations - Full Circle

Breastfeeding Success: Latch Secrets, Alternative Feeding Methods & Medication Safety
Includes 1.0 hour of pharmacology content

Dawn Kersula, MA, RN, IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE | Click here for information about Dawn M. Kersula

Over 80% of mothers say they want to breastfeed their babies – but by the time they leave the hospital almost 20% of those babies have already been given formula. Can we change that metric? Why do babies seem to refuse the breast, and what help can we offer?

Parents can feel confused, frustrated, and overwhelmed. They report that information has not been consistent amongst the nurses helping them. How can we change that? What can we do to help hit the reset button for babies who are neurologically disorganized and fighting the breast?

Begin your journey towards IBCLC certification with over 5 CE hours towards the 90 Lactation Education hours needed for the exam, based on the IBLCE Core Competencies!

Breastfeeding Latch, Suck & Positioning

What is a good latch?

The best position is the one that works
Studies show families want hands-on, practical help with latch and positioning
Physiologic breastfeeding (also called Baby-Led) encourages babies and moms to follow their instincts

Steps to an effective feed

BASICS can help staff and families assess and improve latch

B = Belly to Belly
A = Alignment
S = Space
I = In Close
C = Cheeks and Chin
S = Sucking and Swallowing

What about babies who “fight the breast”?

Assist with positional stability and teach the parent WHY the baby does what they do
Maternal and infant conditions can affect latch and positioning

Babies come with a history

The role of birth, stimulation, medications
Gestational age
Neurologic disorganization

Self-Efficacy

Pathways to self-efficacy

Performance accomplishment
Vicarious experiences
Verbal persuasion

Distressed behavior

Babies who have been repeatedly pushed forcefully to the breast can learn it’s a place of discomfort, not comfort
Feed in an alternate way
Re-establish trust

Back to the breast: Make it feel safe

STS or not: “How do we fit together?”
Mother keeps calm, follows infant lead
Use your expertise only when needed

GLOW authors suggest

On days 2-3 share info about feeding cues and latch
Supports lactogenesis II and the making of milk
Supply will “take off like a rocket”

Alternative Feeding Methods

What is normal weight loss?
Start with hand expression
Choose a safe way to get the milk into the baby – Global Media video
Safe use of nipple shields
Safe use of paced bottle feeding
Push the reset button
Teach parents about infant states of consciousness

Medication Safety

Considerations for availability

Molecular weight
Lipid solubility
Excretion of drugs including half life
Oral bioavailability
Timing in lactation

Translating the theory into real life

Hale’s Lactation Risk Categories
Antidepressants
Cannabis
Cigarettes
Alcohol
SARS-COV2 vaccines and therapies
Hormonal contraceptives

Resources

Infant Risk Center
PLLR labeling
References in print

Anatomy and Physiology Update

4-18 Ductal openings (previously thought 15-20)
The ducts branch closer to the nipple – the lactiferous sinuses do not exist
Ducts can be just below the skin surface, making them easily compressible
Most glandular tissue is found within 30 mm (~1.2 inches) of the nipple
Montgomery Glands are now called Areolar Glands
Lactogenesis I (Secretory Differentiation)
Lactogenesis II (Secretory Activation)
Protracted nipples
Inverted nipples (Grade 1 – 3)
Baseline prolactin levels
The role of insulin
Is oxytocin always our friend?
New research on Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex

The Complete Neonatal Course:
Navigating Prematurity, the NICU and Beyond

$2,519.78 Total Value
Just $299.99 Today — Huge Savings!

Earn up to 30.25 CE hours, including up to 3.0 pharmacology CE hours and 5.75 IBLCE L-CERPS

The Next Steps in Advancing Your Practice

Watch your email for your order confirmation, and get instant access to all course materials, including the bonus materials — all designed to help you effectively integrate the Neonatal Course into your practice and your life. Click here for course objectives and outline.

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Complete your online CE tests and earn up to 30.25 CE hours! Click here for Credit details and credit details specific to your profession.

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