LLL of maine and new hampshire annual breastfeeding and parenting conference 
session descriptions


FIRST SESSION  8:45 - 10:00 AM

101 - Hot Topics in Lactation
Explore recently published research in peer- reviewed journals. Special focus will be placed on D-MER, weaning, tandem nursing, skin-to-skin contact, maternal mental health, partner supposrt, and risks associated with breastfeeding. Traci Meiler, LLL Leader IBCLC 

102 - Pumping: Why Do They Do That?
A discussion of the many reasons a mother might end up exclusively pumping. We will explore support, which "rules" to break and why, and tips for trouble-shooting common pumping problems. Sarah Russell

103 - You Don't Need a Degree in Accounting: Group Finances in Plain English 
Tips on promoting memberships, raising funds, and keeping track of the behind-the-scenes financial details. Bring your questions and concerns about finances and Group management. If numbers make you nervous, this session is for you! Kate Pennington

104 - I Love You, But You're Wrong
Making parenting decisions is often difficult; it's even harder when your partner decides something else. We'll discuss some of the reasons for those differences, and learn skills for working together as a team. Kathy Drury

105 - Keeping the Flame Alive
Led by Amy Shaw, Director, LLL Alliance for Breastfeeding Education and LLL USA Council representative, we will discuss the benefits of long-term Leadership, what skills we learn from being a Leader, and how LLL made us the mother and woman we are today. Amy Shaw


THIRD SESSION   1:45 - 3:00 PM

301 - Tongue Tie & Bodywork
CERPS are available.
What is bodywork? And what does it have to do with breastfeeding and tongue ties? In this session we will connect the dots between oral structure, restrictions of the tongue and the lip, effects of the birth process on latching and suckling and the different methods of bodywork that can enhance breastfeeding support. We will share, more specifically, how Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can allow a baby to suckle more effectively, especially when there are oral restrictions, and how bodywork, when incorporated into a baby's overall breastfeeding support post frenectomy, will help make the most of this procedure. Celina Dykstra, LLL Leader, IBCLC, RLC & Dr. Roy Brewster, DDS, CST 

302 - The Impact of Birthing Options on Breastfeeding
Pregnancy, labor, birth and breastfeeding exist on a continuum. In labor, frequently one intervention leads to another, increasing the breastfeeding learning curve for mother and baby in the early days and weeks postpartum. What decisions can mothers make before and during labor to optimize their early breastfeeding experiences? Explore how popular labor medications and procedures contribute to common breastfeeding problems and how we can help minimize their effects. Julie Brill, CCCE, CLD, CAPPA Faculty


303 - Family Babywearing
Come meet with two industry leaders in the babywearing world as they instruct on the basics of babywearing safety and discuss ways that babywearing enhances family life. 
Jan Andrea Heirtzler & Kristi Hayes-Devlin

304 - Returning Home to Where You Live
Do the spaces in your home reflect your priorities and values? Are they functioning well and fulfilling their purpose? What if the space you occupy every day is a limiting factor in your family’s well-being and success? In this interactive session, Jason Brodeur shares some organizing concepts and practical strategies for (re)making space in your home so you and your family can thrive. Please come with your questions and a current challenge you are facing in your home. 
Jason Brodeur


305 - Becoming an LLL Leader
A conversation for Leader Applicants, supporting Leaders, and anyone interested in LLL leadership. Allison Eddyblouin


SECOND SESSION  10:15 - 11:30 AM

201 - A New Paradigm for Depression in New Mothers
CERPS are available. 
Recent research has revealed a surprising link between inflammation and depression. Although inflammation was first identified as a risk factor for postpartum depression in the late 1990s, researchers have recently learned that it underlies all the other risk factors. All other known causes of depression, such as pain, psychological trauma, lack of social support, or sleep problems, trigger the inflammatory response. This research tells us why women are vulnerable to depression in the last trimester of pregnancy and postpartum. It also explains the link between depression in pregnancy and preterm birth, and why breastfeeding protects maternal mood because it downregulates the stress and inflammatory response. 
Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, Ph.D. IBCLC, RLC 


202 - Loving Guidance for Tweens, Teens, and for Their Parents
There is good news! The teen years are much better than the myths would have you believe! Come to this session and explore the challenges facing our 12-year-old and older children, the challenges we face as their parents, and how their development (and our own) affects these last few years "in the nest." All questions will be welcome! Julie Allen


203 - Infant Nutrition and Food Introduction for Optimal Immune Function
We will discuss the latest research on proper food introduction for infants, especially those with a family history of eczema and autoimmunity.  We will also discuss nutrients important for growing children and their immune systems and when nutritional supplementation may be indicated. Dr. Emily Miller, N.D.


204 - When Others Criticize
We want the people in our lives to respect our parenting choices. In this session, we'll discuss tips and practice skills for those times when they don't. Kathy Drury

FOURTH SESSION   3:15 - 4:30 PM

401 - Neuropsychological Effects of Sleep-Training and Its Implications for Breastfeeding
CERPS are available.
Sleep training continues to be a popular parenting philosophy with its roots in American Behaviorism. The idea behind this approach is that if you want to stop a behavior, don’t “reinforce” it, which increases its likelihood that it reoccur. Under this school of thought, if you pick up a crying baby, you are just reinforcing the likelihood that the baby will cry more often—especially at night. Recent research has suggested that there is “no apparent harm” to this approach. But is that true? This presentation will describe recent research in neuroscience on the importance of responsive early parenting on brain development, and harmful effects of leaving babies to cry. Non-responsive parenting raises babies’ cortisol levels. Cortisol is toxic to brain cells, particularly in the hippocampus. This research is also put in the context of current AAP recommendations to keep babies in the parents’ room during the first six months, and how solitary sleep increases the babies’ risk of SIDS. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, Ph.D. IBCLC, RLC 

402 - Hello Moon: The Return of Fertility During Breastfeeding
Most women today have never been taught the basics of their own fertility. Come explore how the postpartum return to fertility works and the rules of how to use breastfeeding to avoid pregnancy (The Lactational Amenorrhea Method). Leave with some basic tools for observing your own return of fertility. Couples are encouraged to attend together if possible. Allison Eddyblouin


403 - Celebrating Fatherhood
Meet other dads and share the joys and challenges of supporting and loving our families. Weather permitting, this will be held at the outside playground. Dads Panel


404 - Loving Guidance for Toddlers: Precious and Precarious
Our toddlers are growing a sense of themselves while staying closely connected. How are their minds and bodies changing? What's typical of their behavior for this stage? What do they need to learn from us, their parents? We'll talk about the joys and challenges of the toddler years, including nursing - or weaning - at this age. Julie Allen and Kimberly Bell