Breastfeeding Symposium 2024
Last month I attended the Breastfeeding Symposium 2024 which took place in Alaska. It was a thrill on so many levels - to be in a beautiful new place while discussing and learning the latest research on lactation. The Symposium was hosted by Healthy Children Project (https://centerforbreastfeeding.org/) and each of the 5 topics were presented by brilliant women whom I am fortunate to call my colleagues. Together we spent three full days presenting information and discussing many topics such as Ethical Lactation Practices, Tips and Tricks for Supporting Moms with Latch, Skin-to-Skin, Effective Communication, and Mental Health Pharmacology and Breastfeeding.
Here are a few takeaways that may be relevant and hopefully helpful to pregnant and breastfeeding families:
The recent clinical report from the Academy of Pediatrics, published August 2024, provides guidance on the best practices in treatment of ankyloglossia (tongue tie). Their conclusions were that tongue tie does not necessarily lead to breastfeeding difficulties, and that a full lactation assessment should be done prior to considering a frenulum release. In the vast majority of cases, improved latch led to successful and pain-free breastfeeding and surgery was not necessary. I highly recommend discussing this new research with your pediatrician as well as seeking breastfeeding support if you have concerns or any pain while nursing. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/154/2/e2024067605/198022/Identification-and-Management-of-Ankyloglossia-and?autologincheck=redirected
Laughter can be as effective as medicine in reducing cortisol levels. “…interventions that trigger spontaneous laughter induced a significant reduction of ~32% in cortisol levels … suggesting the stress relief effect of laughter.” So perhaps when you are up at night with your baby or feeling stressed, seeking a funny friend or comedic TV may be beneficial. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10204943/
Continuous and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is recommended for all babies (from 1000 g). The immediate and long-term benefits are astounding for both mother and baby. This applies to babies born via vaginal and cesarean births. “The World Health Organization guideline development process reached the conclusion immediate, continuous, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact should be the standard of care for all mothers and all babies (from 1000 g with experienced staff if assistance is needed), after all modes of birth.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37166443/
Recent research studies were reviewed linking the use of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) during labor with a 32% higher risk of receiving a postpartum depression or anxiety diagnosis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28133901/ In addition, other studies examined the correlation between higher levels of synthetic oxytocin during labor and lower breastfeeding success. https://centerforbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ItrapartumAdminofSynthOxytocin1.pdf A recommendation is to be sure that mothers are aware of this information and if Pitocin is chosen, to monitor and lower the levels.
I value valid and reliable research, which can be hard to find. While I often rely and base my doula and lactation work on evidenced-based information, I am also aware that not every family is accounted for in each study. There are outliers, and I believe strongly that every baby is special and unique. Individualized care for each family is crucial.
There are so many facets of breastfeeding and parenting that I wish I knew back when I was knee deep in diapers and tiredness and leaky breasts. I may have done some things differently. At the same time, I often felt in survival mode - keep this baby healthy and get through the night. We all do the best we can. Sometimes information is helpful and sometimes it may feel too overwhelming. I invite you to take the information that feels right to you, trust your instincts, and keep on going. You got this!
Interested in attending the 2025 conference in Nova Scotia? Here is more information https://centerforbreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/Symposium-at-Sea-2025.pdf
(Pictured - Kristin Svensson and I aboard a whale watching quest in Juneau)
