Changing the Prenatal & Intrapartum Care Paradigm to Improve Lactation Initiation During COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted birth and breastfeeding in the United States and globally.  Breastfeeding initiation rates have fallen and many hospitals have furloughed or redeployed lactation consultant staff leaving new parents lost and alone to figure out breastfeeding. This program will address why the current prenatal care paradigm is inadequate to prepare families for their lactation journeys and present solutions.  Antenatal lactation risk assessment is essential as well as a proactive approach to lactation initiation. Research, case studies and tools will be shared with the audience.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the need to change the current prenatal care paradigm

Articulate risk factors that may impact lactation and milk supply

Describe a proactive approach to lactation initiation