From a public health perspective, breastfeeding has a strong positive impact on both infant and maternal health. Studies now show chiropractic care may help improve a baby’s ability to breastfeed. This class will empower doctors of chiropractic to effectively manage infant patients with suboptimal breastfeeding.

Dr. Hewitt will describe the benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby. Current medical management of suboptimal breastfeeding will be discussed, as will the clinical rationale for chiropractic co-management, with emphasis on spinal joint dysfunction and its effects on the involved tissues and systems. The latest research evidence in this area will be discussed. Elements of the history and physical examination relevant to dysfunctional breastfeeding will be highlighted. Dr. Hewitt will detail patient management including manual therapy techniques, frequency of care, and prognosis. Dr. Hewitt will pepper her instruction with clinical pearls from her 30 years of experience in pediatric practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss current medical management for babies with suboptimal breastfeeding.
2. Explain how chiropractic care can help infants with suboptimal breastfeeding.
3. List five clues each in the history and examination that indicate spinal joint dysfunction as a possible etiology for suboptimal breastfeeding.

This webinar is for 1 CEU credit, approved in all PACE states except Tennessee.  For more information on PACE and a complete list of state licensing boards that accept PACE, click here.