60th Anniversary
La Leche League International
Online Conference
From 3 to 7 April 2017

 
 

Welcome to the first La Leche League International Online Conference, presented April 3 - 7, 2017.

LLLI is celebrating 60 years of supporting and informing breastfeeding families around the world - building a legacy that will continue far into the future.

Five full days of learning are in store with world-renowned speakers on a wide variety of fascinating topics! A live ten-minute written question and answer discussion with the speaker will follow many sessions. All talks are pre-recorded and will be available on demand through May 8, 2017.

Sessions


All times are adjusted to your local timezone. Based on your device's timezone setting..
Printable Schedule || Times, presenters and sessions are subject to change.

4/3/2017

10:00 AM
-to-
10:30 AM


   
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How They Built A Legacy - In Their Own Words


 

 

This kick-off session of the conference is the new LLLI 60th Anniversary DVD, produced and directed by Lisa Manning of LLL of New Zealand, featuring LLLI co-Founders Mary Ann Cahill, Mary Ann Kerwin, and Marian Tompson, reminiscing about the early days of LLL and pondering the future of the organization. You will laugh and cry! This beautiful memento of the LLLI 60 years of supporting breastfeeding will be available for purchase after the conference.


4/3/2017

10:30 AM
-to-
11:00 AM


   
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What is Biological Nurturing?


Suzanne  Colson, PhD, MSc, BA

 

Some say it is laid-back breastfeeding… Others say it is natural or physiological breastfeeding. Many think that biological nurturing is the same as skin-to-skin contact although there is a strong argument that eye-to-eye contact is more important than naked contact. But BN can be all of these things and more. Attend this presentation to clarify how mother-baby breastfeeding positions, states and behaviors, the six BN components, interact and interrelate to help mothers and babies enjoy breastfeeding.


4/3/2017

11:00 AM
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11:30 AM


   
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Listening to mothers


Naomi  Stadlen

 

Women didn’t talk to each other [about breastfeeding] in those days,’ wrote Marian Tompson in Passionate Journey. Do breastfeeding mothers still benefit today from discussing breastfeeding issues at La Leche League series meetings? How can a Leader encourage them to talk?


4/3/2017

11:30 AM
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12:00 PM


   
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Listening with your heart


Dorothea  Käsermann

 

How does it feel to be listened to? Listening is feeling the other person. Listening is forgetting about oneself in order to walk alongside the person talking, Listening is when your heart grows ears. Listen…….


4/3/2017

1:00 PM
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1:30 PM


   
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Newborn instinctive 9 stages after birth


Kajsa  Brimdyr, PhD, CLC

 

This session will give a brief overview of the incredible abilities of the newborn during the first hour after birth, and touch on some of the long-term implications of this important time.


4/3/2017

1:30 PM
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2:00 PM


   
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Oxytocin - the hormone of connection


Linda  Smith, MPH, LCCE, IBCLC

 

Oxytocin is truly a magical hormone involved in all aspects of life, love, and especially reproduction. It has been called the hormone of calm, love, and healing. Breastfeeding mothers and their babies are flooded with oxytocin during every nursing session, enhancing their trust in one another, healing their bodies, helping their digestive systems, calming their fears, even strengthening their ability to recognize each other’s faces. Oxytocin helps us fall in love, enjoy lovemaking, bring our babies to birth, and release our wondrous milk to our babies. This session will describe the “many-sided importance” of this remarkable hormone.


4/3/2017

2:00 PM
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2:30 PM


   
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The Infant Microbiome


William  Parker, PhD

 

This session will discuss the microbiota (microbiome) of the infant and all of the factors that can affect the microbiota. The importance of breast milk and how it works to support the microbiota will be discussed. Other factors that affect the microbiota, including hospital procedures in labor and delivery, will also be discussed. Finally, the role of the microbiota in a baby’s health will be summarized.


4/3/2017

2:30 PM
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3:00 PM


   
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Making more Milk


Diana  West, BA, IBCLC

 

This presentation explores the wide range of new and old options for helping mothers increase milk production, with a strong emphasis on the importance of maximizing milk removal.


4/4/2017

10:00 AM
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10:30 AM


   
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Support for Non-Dominant Culture Breast and Chestfeeding Parents


Lourdes  Santaballa, BA, MS, IBCLC

 

Culture and family are a unique component of self-identity and physical/emotional health. How we raise, nurture, and nourish our children through human milk is a question of love and preservation not only of the species but also of the community to which we belong. Focusing on race, ethnicity, class, gender, physical and emotional differences, sexual orientation and other key identities, this presentation will focus on how breast and chestfeeding have special cultural components. It will also discuss the importance of receiving support and safe space when one does not belong to the dominant culture or the service providers do not look like them.


4/4/2017

10:30 AM
-to-
11:00 AM


   
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Adventures in Tandem Nursing


Hilary  Flower, PhD

 

What you need to know about an overlap of breastfeeding and pregnancy


4/4/2017

11:00 AM
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11:30 AM


   
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A successful parent-child-relationship – essential for a good childhood


Evelin  Kirkilionis

 

The biological components of the parent-child-relationship will be described, and which points encourage and which obstruct the intuitive parenting program. A child must have the possibility to develop an emotional relationship, this is a biological predisposition. Parents must initially provide a suitable environment for the child’s needs. Tactile perception is an important communication-channel in the infancy but physical contact is important for the parents too. Frequent physical contact causes the release of the hormone Oxytocin in parents and child as well. Oxytocin affects the child development in many areas positively as well as the behavior of both parents.


4/4/2017

11:30 AM
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12:00 PM


   
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Breast milk for life: Women who share more than milk and nutrition.


Carol  Bartle, RN, RM, IBCLC, PGDip Child Advocacy, MHSc

 

Breastfeeding support is not a government priority in most countries despite compelling evidence of economic and population health benefits. Support for human milk banks is also missing from many population health agendas. So, when mothers need more breast milk for their babies than they are producing themselves, an option is mother to mother milk sharing. This has emerged from the underground and subterranean, through social media channels, on-line and mother-communities. This session will explore why and how women are sharing their breast milk, the diversity, the controversy, and how women are sharing much more than nutrition.


4/4/2017

1:00 PM
-to-
1:30 PM


   
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One mother at a time: the art of 1:1 help


E. Connor  Kelly, MA, BC-DMT, LPC

 

This talk will explore our core value of helping one mother at a time through several mediums of 1:1 support and offering information. Our contact with mothers ranges from casual such as school pick up to phone calls, emails and social media. Telephone helping is still relevant today although many mothers use social media. This talk will outline integrating our knowledge with effective presencing (empathetic listening), finding a mentor and accepting our limits.


4/4/2017

1:30 PM
-to-
2:00 PM


   
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Does Breastfeeding Help with Postpartum Depression?


Kathleen  Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC, FAPA

 

Breastfeeding and depression have a complicated relationship. Depressed mothers are less likely to breastfeed, but breastfeeding lowers mothers’ risk of depression. Does breastfeeding really help lower mothers’ risk or is it only the healthier mothers doing it? This presentation will help sort the research on this challenging question by examining data from prospective studies, and studies of the physiology that underlies both depression and breastfeeding. We will also discuss how mothers’ feelings regarding breastfeeding are important to consider, and how it can actually help mothers who are depressed recover from their depression.


4/4/2017

2:00 PM
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2:30 PM


   
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Sweet Sleep


Teresa  Pitman

 

Sleep is a hot topic for most new parents! In this session, we'll discuss normal baby sleep and strategies to maximize sleep for parents - including bedsharing. While bedsharing has become controversial, for breastfeeding families this can be a very safe option if you follow the Safe Sleep Seven guidelines, which we will discuss in detail.


4/4/2017

2:30 PM
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3:00 PM


   
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Neurobiology of Attachment: Implications for Birth and Breastfeeding


Ibone  Olza, MD, PhD

 

Neurobiological mechanisms during and just after birth play an essential role in the generation of mother-child attachment in humans. Breastfeeding is the physiological tool for attachment that provides the intimate mother infant relationship needed for healthy mental development that J.Bowlby described. Interference in this process may have long term consequences for the child's health and behavior.


4/5/2017

10:00 AM
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10:30 AM


   
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To cut or not (always) to cut, that is the question.


Myrte van  Lonkhuijsen, IBCLC

 

An exploration of ways in which breastfeeding 'itself' can be part of dealing with tongue tie. How can latch and parent- child interaction improve breastfeeding and orofacial development before, after, or even instead of clipping ties?


4/5/2017

10:30 AM
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11:00 AM


   
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Exclusively pumping: living between two worlds


Stephanie  Casemore, B.A., B.Ed., OCT, CBC (CBI)

 

This presentation will illuminate the world of exclusively pumping moms; share a number of best practices; and reflect on the challenges and opportunities exclusively pumping offers moms, babies, and those who support them.


4/5/2017

11:00 AM
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11:30 AM


   
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Breastfeeding and working - yes, we can!


Giorgia  Cozza

 

In most cases the return to work marks the mother’s first separation from her baby. It's an intense moment emotionally for the mother and for the baby, and in this situation, breastfeeding can be a great ally to both. That's why it's so important to give the mother all of the relevant information and the necessary support so that she can continue to happily breastfeed for as long as she and her baby like. It's also important to state that this is a right that every working mother and every child should enjoy – a right that society and the working world are called on to respect.


4/5/2017

11:30 AM
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12:00 PM


   
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Making LLL visible: how networking and collaboration can raise your profile


Lisa  Manning

 

LLLNZ co-Director and former journalist Lisa Manning looks at ways to boost your group's profile by forming alliances in your communities. Lisa provides information and suggestions on publicizing La Leche League including how to overcome personal obstacles and apprehensions about networking in public, collaborating with others in your communities and dealing with the media.

This recording is 15 minutes long to allow for discussion time. Make the most of this opportunity to dialog with a world renowed media specialist.


4/5/2017

1:00 PM
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1:30 PM


   
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Breastfeeding an older child – why on earth?


Meg  Nagle, IBCLC

 

Normal breastfeeding duration for humans, how we compare with other primates, common criticisms and the responses we can give, and what the research says about our "old" milk! Most importantly...how can we help normalize breastfeeding to natural term?


4/5/2017

1:30 PM
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2:00 PM


   
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Leading LLL meetings online


Melissa  Fuller-Killgore, MS

 

More and more mothers are turning to social media for breastfeeding information, and attending online meetings in preference to face- to-face events. How can LLL Leaders effectively lead online meetings? What are some top tips for setting up and managing a Facebook LLL meeting?


4/5/2017

2:00 PM
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2:30 PM


   
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Marijuana during pregnancy and breastfeeding: What do we know? What don’t we know?


Laurel  Wilson, IBCLC,B Sc, CLE, CLD, CCCE

 

As cannabis use around the world increases, concern for mothers and babies in the perinatal period also increases. Explore the current research on marijuana use in the perinatal period. What is still not known?


4/5/2017

2:30 PM
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3:00 PM


   
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The art of breastfeeding twins or more


Karen  Gromada, MSN, RN, IBCLC, FILCA

 

What are the key points that women expecting or new mothers of twins, triplets or more, and the health professionals caring for them most need to know about breastfeeding multiple-birth infants?


4/6/2017

10:00 AM
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10:30 AM


   
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Colics and SIDS


James  McKenna, PhD

 

A conceptual model of the biological origins of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and colic: Is the human infant's susceptibility to either SIDS or colic due to our species' unique breathing control system that is necessary for speech? What is "breastsleeping" and how can it theoretically function to help protect infants as they transition out of susceptibility to either SIDS and/or colic?


4/6/2017

10:30 AM
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11:00 AM


   
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Birth, Breastfeeding, and Risk


Alison  Barrett, BSc, MD, FRCS(C), FRANZCOG

 

This session will touch on the idea of risk and the impact of birthing interventions on breastfeeding. Breastfeeding relationships can be sabotaged by a variety of birthing interventions, yet some dyads seem much more robust to these influences. How do we talk to parents about the risk to their babies or to themselves when birth interventions happen? If we don’t speak about potential breastfeeding challenges, are we guilty of paternalism?


4/6/2017

11:00 AM
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11:30 AM


   
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THE WHO CODE: BASICS FOR LLL LEADERS


Helen  Gray, MPhil, IBCLC

 

A quick look at the basics of the International (WHO) Code: What products are covered? What are an LLL Leader’s responsibilities? What are our own LLLI policies?

And consider ways parents and Leaders can support the Code in their own communities.


4/6/2017

11:30 AM
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12:00 PM


   
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Why fathers also need support for breastfeeding and how to provide it?


Pascal  Ghazi

 

Pascal Ghazi with Grégoire Berbudeau, Christophe Dousseau, Frédéric Roussel

The idea of the session is to explain how fathers are often left out of the picture when it comes to breastfeeding or at least that is what the outsiders think.

But the role of the dad is essential for the success of a nice breastfeeding experience and to assume fully that role the father needs to find support.

The support for men is more efficient if it comes from other men because then we feel more comfortable talking about ourselves and about our place in the breastfeeding experience. We are able to achieve that through exchanges in a private discussion group on FB that allows us to share all our questions in an intimate environment.

It goes through steps like, listening, sharing experiences and providing clinical breastfeeding information when needed.


4/6/2017

1:00 PM
-to-
1:30 PM


   
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Baby-Led Weaning -- Transitioning to solid foods at the baby’s pace


Gill  Rapley, PhD

 

An overview of baby-led weaning (BLW): What it looks like, why it makes sense, and what makes it a natural fit with the ethos of LLL? Explore some of the common misunderstandings that surround the approach and consider why the way solids are introduced matters for babies.


4/6/2017

1:30 PM
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2:00 PM


   
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LLL: Working Globally and Mother-to-Mother


Eden  Anderson, MA

 

This session explores LLL’s unique vision and understanding of the elements necessary for a breastfeeding- friendly world – from the organisation’s earliest years. It describes today’s key global players and programmes in breastfeeding support and advocacy, all influenced by LLL, going forward in the 21st century.


4/6/2017

2:00 PM
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2:30 PM


   
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No Mother Left Behind: Creating the Communication and Culture to Reduce Breastfeeding Disparities Among African American Women


Kimberly Seals  Allers

 

Despite some improvements, lingering racial disparities still exist in breastfeeding, particularly at the six-month and 12-month exclusivity milestones. This presentation identifies five key cultural and structural barriers to breastfeeding for the African American community as well as eight strategies for overcoming barriers, engaging with community and communicating effectively with African American women and men. Attendees will be able to better understand how current breastfeeding messaging and protocols may be disconnected from the lived experience of African American women and will understand strategies for developing more culturally appropriate messaging.


4/6/2017

2:30 PM
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3:00 PM


   
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Kangaroula™ -supporting skin-to-skin contact at birth


Jill  Bergman, B.A. HDE

 

A Kangaroula advocates for the biological needs of the BABY at birth. Immediate skin-to-skin contact provides the best developmental care for the baby’s brain. Labour oxytocin continues as mum and baby are together and so feel safe. This supports early breastfeeding and bonding.


4/7/2017

10:00 AM
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10:30 AM


   
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How to Talk so Little Kids will Listen


Joanna  Faber

 

Joanna Faber will share the communication principles that dramatically improve relationships with children of all ages -- from tots to teens. This approach will help parents who find themselves locked in a power struggle with their children (and don’t we all at some time!) find better ways to communicate and connect. It demonstrates truly practical methods to use humor, creativity and respect - instead of bribes, threats and punishments - to get cooperation from your children. It offers a new perspective on the child parent relationship that will make life with children less stressful and more satisfying.


4/7/2017

10:30 AM
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11:00 AM


   
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Solid facts for a smooth introduction of complementary foods


Adriano  Cattaneo, MD, MSc

 

When will you give your baby other foods and drinks, in addition to breastmilk? What foods and drinks will you give your baby, in addition to breastmilk? These or similar questions are often posed to health professionals by parents. The mere fact that these questions are posed is worrisome. Do parents really need professional advice to introduce solids in the diets of their infants? Have they lost a capacity that until some generations ago all parents had to have? The objective of my presentation is to provide information that will hopefully re-empower parents.


4/7/2017

11:00 AM
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11:30 AM


   
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Joys of Leadership


Sandy  Moore-Furneaux

 

Do you wonder WHY Leaders become Leaders when we "don't get paid"? In this presentation, we are going to share some of the joys and rewards of La Leche League leadership. While we do work to help other breastfeeding families, our work has many rewards, and we have a lot of fun, too! What we gain ranges from emotional rewards--such as deep satisfaction and fulfillment--of knowing we've helped others to have a successful breast/chestfeeding relationship, to practical rewards of leadership, to the development of life-long friendships and just plain fun! Please join us as we share what we gain through photos and narration!


4/7/2017

11:30 AM
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12:00 PM


   
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Breastfeeding and human rights


Johanna  Rhys-Davies

 

Is there a Human right to Breastfeed? Is there a human right for a baby to receive Breastmilk? What are Human Rights? Why do they matter to breastfeeding mothers and parents, and why should they matter to LLL Leaders and to other Breastfeeding supporters? This session is an introduction to all of these questions and more. The session will explore why a Human Rights Discourse is significant to breastfeeding education and advocacy. It will also examine how the efforts of LLL Leaders and other breastfeeding supporters are essential to placing breastfeeding within a Human Rights framework.


4/7/2017

1:00 PM
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1:30 PM


   
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Gentle parenting, Breastfeeding While Nourishing Sibling Relationships


Sarah  Sprague

 

There are many myths and misconceptions about breastfeeding a newborn while you have another child at home. The truth is that breastfeeding can be a time of calm, quiet and bonding for all, not simply for mom and baby. Sarah will be discussing some common misunderstandings as well as strategies for gently building the sibling bond while ensuring a strong healthy breastfeeding relationship for mom and baby. Far from breastfeeding being something you have to find time for, breastfeeding is something that MAKES TIME for the older sibling.


4/7/2017

1:30 PM
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2:00 PM


   
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Breastfeeding: One Man’s Perspective


James  Akre

 

Having participated in the 40th and 50th anniversary conferences, it is no small thing to present at the 60th. “Building a Legacy” coincides with a desire, in my 73rd year, to communicate effectively about the universal significance of breast milk and breastfeeding. I dedicated my 2005 book (The problem with breastfeeding, Hale) to the seven Founding Mothers whose compassion, vision and faith radiate in the smiles of three generations of mothers and children in 70 countries. Today, I conclude that breastfeeding is neither a woman’s issue nor a man’s issue, but a human issue of fundamental importance to us all.


4/7/2017

2:00 PM
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2:30 PM


   
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Infant Sleep Training: History, Research, and Outcomes


Diana  West, BA, IBCLC

 

Parents hear confusing recommendations about sleep training and “crying-it-out.” This presentation provides a discussion of the history underlying infant sleep training methods, their effects on feeding, and research findings on psychological and physiological outcomes.


4/7/2017

2:30 PM
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3:00 PM


   
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How Global Has the LLLI Legacy Become?


 

 

A look at the exciting things that LLLI has been accomplishing worldwide in a myriad of languages, cultures and locations!


Sponsors




The La Leche League International organization is such a powerful and important name in the breastfeeding world that it would only be logical to partner with a manufacturer that could create a line of nursing apparel that moms could trust. In 2007, La Leche League International connected with Q-T Intimates, a New Jersey based 4th generation intimate apparel manufacturer that shared the same philosophies as La Leche League. Q-T was already committed to serving nursing moms around the world with a great selection of nursing bras. The synergies between LLLI and Q-T Intimates were immediately apparent and the cooperation and shared vision between both leadership teams made for a great partnership. After 10 years of working together, Q-T remains devoted to helping La Leche League continue to expand their reach to nursing moms around the world.