Dr. Hazelbaker describes the most common cognitive errors in this groundbreaking presentation using tongue-tie assessment and treatment as illustrative examples. She connects the dots between cognitive errors and unethical behavior rampant in the assessment and treatment of tongue-tie and lip “tie.” A discussion of the impact of bias on the differential diagnosis process concludes the module.
There is significant anecdotal and research evidence to prove that bodywork can help resolve infant sucking problems. In the absence of readily available bodywork, the professional breastfeeding supporter and lactation consultant/therapist can effectively address infant sucking issues using one, some, or all of the seven strategies presented.
Over 25% of North American infants are afflicted with torticollis. Torticollis presents unique challenges to breastfeeding, and the incidence of this formerly rare condition is on the rise. In this module, Dr. Hazelbaker reviews the causes of the condition in detail, she outlines an assessment process, and she presents learners with multiple therapeutic strategies for resolving torticollis in infants.
For decades, assessing and treating tongue-tie has been a controversial subject. In this module, Dr. Hazelbaker presents the most up-to-date research on infant tongue-tie definition, impact, assessment, treatment, and treatment outcomes. She examines the on-going tongue-tie controversy in-depth, and she provides learners with evidence-based guidelines for the clinical decision-making process.
Infant sucking dysfunction has exponentially increased over the past two decades. This module focuses on the multiple factors responsible for the increased challenges to the gestate and neonate and suggests solutions for prevention.
Acquired and positional plagiocephaly affects as many as 45% of babies born in the United States. Plagiocephaly can cause multiple functional issues in infants, including compromised breastfeeding. In this module, Dr. Hazelbaker reviews the causes of the condition and an assessment process in detail, and she presents learners with multiple therapeutic strategies for resolving plagiocephaly-derived breastfeeding problems in infants.
Understanding the suck-swallow-breathe triad is foundational knowledge that lactation professionals must have to evaluate and treat dysfunctional feeding issues successfully. Anatomical knowledge serves as a base for this module, which details the physiological components of the triad. In this module, Dr. Hazelbaker presents models, animations, and videos to demonstrate the function of the six valves that shuttle milk from the breast into the stomach.
This module addresses the widespread but non-evidence-based maxillary lip-tie phenomenon. What do we know about lip-tie? Does it affect infant breastfeeding? Can it cause dental issues? This module addresses these questions and more by reviewing the scientific evidence and providing guidance professionals will utilize in making ethical, evidence-based clinical decisions.
In this module, Dr. Hazelbaker describes the differences between actual tongue-tie and sucking issues that can appear to be tongue-tie due to altered tongue posture. She provides learners with a conceptual framework for such an occurrence; learners will view pictures and videos that help illustrate the differences between a true tie and a faux tie, thereby distinguishing between them in infants.
Recently, we have seen an increase in latching problems among neuro-typical babies. In this module, learners will gain an understanding of the various treatment approaches that address this specific form of infant sucking dysfunction. Dr. Hazelbaker suggests criteria for selecting treatment approaches that support the breastfeeding goals for infants who have difficulty latching or who do not latch on to the breast.