Stemming the Tide of Supplementation: Thinking Outside of the Box

This one day seminar will provide evidence based practices from experienced clinicians on addressing the challenges of supplementation facing mothers. Formula supplementation is generally associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding.

We will provide information on community, clinic and hospital practices to address mothers who believe breastfeeding and using formula (doing both) gives their children the best of both worlds. Additional topics to be covered include: mothers who use formula to help them cope with infant behaviors such as crying and waking, mothers who see formula as the normal way to feed babies since that is what they have observed in the media and in their neighborhoods, and mothers who think they do not have enough milk.

Supplementation for medical indications sometimes undermines a mothers confidence and/or leads to disappointment and feelings of failure. We will discuss plans of care for medically indicated supplementation which include: attending to maternal feelings, reasons for supplementation, what to supplement, how to deliver it, how much to give, and how to reduce supplementation and increase direct breastfeeding.

We will have a discussion on the issues of formula supplementation and the employed mother. It will include exploring the reasons for supplementation for both perceived and real milk supply issues, and family and co-worker pressures. Tips for developing a plan of care to support a mothers decision to use formula and maintain part-time breastfeeding will be highlighted.

Faculty:
Susan Aldana, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant with experience in WIC, hospitals, CPSP, peer counselor supervision, and La Leche League

Carole Chacon, CCCE, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, a Baby-Friendly designated hospital

Terri Gass, RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, a Baby-Friendly designated hospital