Birthing, Bonding and Breastfeeding 2012 - Presented by About Families, Inc.

Birthing, Bonding and Breastfeeding Conference
About Families, Inc. is hosting and presenting the Birthing Bonding and Breastfeeding Conference in Palm Springs on May 19th, 2012 at The Spa Resort Casino. Doors will open at 8am for guests to check-in and the conference will start at 9am and conclude at 5pm. This conference will highlight the importance of making informed choices during the childbearing years.

Not only will this be open to the public but it will also offer valuable BRN’s and LCerp’s to professionals in the medical field. Dr. Bob Sears, author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, Jane Honikman, M.S., Founder of Postpartum Support International and Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC and author of Mommy Feeds Baby will be presenting at the conference. The speakers are well-known and respected for their work in pediatrics, lactation and postpartum support.
2012 Conference Speakers
Dr. Bob Sears
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Dr. Bob Sears is a Pediatrician, co-author of the Sears Parenting Library, and solo author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. Dr. Sears has appeared on the Dr. Phil show, the Ellen DeGeneres show, CNN’s House Calls with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, The CBS Early Show, and PBS’s “A Place of Our Own.” Dr. Sears is a frequent speaker at La Leche League conferences nationwide as well as various parenting expos. Dr. Sears is also an active contributor to AskDrSears.com and Working Mother Magazine.

Dr. Bob Sears will present a review of vaccines for women, infants, and families and the diseases they prevent. He will discuss the various controversies surrounding this issue and address any contraindications or warnings regarding vaccines for breastfeeding mothers.
Jane Honikman M.S.
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Jane Honikman, M.S., began her career in maternal mental health in 1977 when she co-founded Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP). In 1981 Jane received a grant from the American Association of University Women to study the Growth and Dynamics of Postpartum Support Groups. She became the Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Birth Resource Center in 1984 and that same year attended her first Marcé Society conference. In 1987 she founded Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a result of organizing the first conference on Women’s Mental Health Following Childbirth held in Santa Barbara. She was elected as PSI’s first President in 1989 and as Founding Director operated the organization from her home until 2004. Her role is now as Ambassador to the organization. Jane has authored many articles and educational materials on postpartum issues and how to start community support networks including her books Step by Step (2000) and I’m Listening (2002). Her expertise is based upon her struggles as a new mother. She continues to lecture and train internationally on the role of social support and the emotional health of families. Jane’s own family includes her supportive husband of 43 years, 3 adult children, their spouses, and 7 grandchildren (and a cat). She enjoys living a healthy and active lifestyle in Santa Barbara.

Jane will speak on the importance of Maternal and Child Mental Health. Her discussion will focus on increasing awareness of perinatal mood disorders and understanding the impact they have on child development and family relations.

Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC, RLC, CD(DONA)
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Christy Jo is an educator with over twenty years of experience. She developed the Grow Our Own Lactation Consultant/IBCLC Prep Course in 2009. The course has been used to prepare hundreds of women in California to become Lactation Consultants. Her passion for teaching and lactation has awarded her many opportunities to speak at conferences and coalitions. Several years after becoming a Lactation Consultant, Christy became a certified birth doula in an effort to assist others with their transition from womanhood to motherhood. She has been instumental in starting a California Breastfeeding Coalition, Breastfeeding Cafes, Mom2Mom Support Groups and Breastfeeding Clinics. Her service in public health affords her opportunity to reach and teach multitudes with varying backgrounds. She is an accomplished photographer. Some of her breastfeeding photographs have been published in her children's book, Mommy Feeds Baby. Christy Jo was selected by DONA International as the recipent of the 2011 Phyllis Klaus Award. Christy Jo is a favorite speaker due to her knowlege base and humorous, passionate way in which she presents.