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This presentation will instruct participants on the health, developmental and oral structural shaping benefits that breastfeeding can have on babies with special needs. Through lecture, discussion and video presentations of complicated breastfeeding cases, participants will better understand their vital role in understanding breastfeeding and educating families on the importance and impact of early feeding choices for their baby with special needs. Populations discussed will include: babies with Down syndrome, babies with medical conditions such as heart issues and TE fistula, babies with feeding aversion and babies with self-limiting feeding behavior. Management of breastfeeding babies who refuse the bottle will also be addressed. Interventional techniques, such as ‘bridge” feeding devices, positioning and the use of methods such as the Tummy Time!TM method will also be reviewed. Participants will be taught the impact of their role as facilitator and collaborator in assisting babies with special needs in transitioning to the breast with the goal of breastfeeding success and optimal health and developmental outcomes in our at-risk and feeding challenged patients.
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