ORAL FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE BREASTFEEDING DYAD: COMPENSATION OR COMPETENCY? A Webinar for IBCLCs Jennifer Tow, BFA, MA, IBCLC, CSOM 

​The role of the IBCLC is to facilitate successful breastfeeding, which often requires a referral for a diagnostic assessment of possible tongue-tie, as well as other supportive therapies. Many IBCLCs find they lack the skills necessary to make a functional assessment, therefore they lack the confidence necessary to make appropriate referrals, to assess the referral sources available in their communities and to evaluate the outcome of any subsequent interventions. Yet, the success of any intervention depends on the functional assessment made by the IBCLC. 

This on-line MasterClass is designed to assist the IBCLC in learning to differentiate compensatory feeding behaviors from competent breastfeeding, as well as to identify the underlying cause of those compensations, so as to make appropriate recommendations and referrals. The course will cover oral restrictions, their appearance, impact, and potential consequences, as well as indications of structural impairments contributing to compensatory feeding. We will outline the elements of a functional feeding assessment and discuss the vital role the IBCLC plays in effectively communicating with parents as well as collaborating practitioners to optimize a successful outcome.

This course is specifically designed for IBCLCs seeking to increase their skills and confidence when making a functional feeding assessment and does not cover the material presented in the 3-day Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad MasterClass, which provides extensive theoretical, research and clinical information as well as in-depth clinical tools for oral and functional habilitation.

Attendee comments:

"The webinar was excellent!"

"I want to thank you for the knowledge you shared in this presentation. I not only learned a lot, but I have many notes for further avenues of inquiry. Truly special."

"Thank you for the wonderful webinar. I had many lightbulb moments. I have been taking courses from you for so many years now. I can honestly say that, you are who I learn new info from. Almost everything else breastfeeding related is rehashing the same info over and over." 

3 L-CERPS

IBLCE APPROVAL: CLT114-33

The webinar has been be recorded and is available through Dec 31, 2019 to all attendees/registrants.