This one-day course builds upon pre-reading provided and is designed for BDA members who have already completed the basic training course “Breastfeeding knowledge and skills for dietitians” (or equivalent) and who regularly consult with breastfeeding parents whose infants have complex medical needs, or who are involved in developing breastfeeding strategies. This course is suitable for any dietitian wishing to further develop basic breastfeeding knowledge and skills. The knowledge and skills can be adapted & applied to any health setting for a breastfeeding dyad.

Aim

To better support breastfeeding parents and their babies, specifically in cases of feeding differences and complex medical needs.

Learning Outcomes

For infants with complex medical needs:

·          understand the impact on the anatomy and physiology of lactation

·          be able to support the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding

·          to understand when and who to refer to, to support the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding

·          to understand the role of the dietitian in maximising breastfeeding and the use of breastmilk

 Use advanced feeding skills:

·          to be able to assess a breastfeed and recognise effective milk transfer

·          to support parents whose child cannot feed at the breast or who needs to have supplementary milk feeds

·          to advise on the correct use of pasteurised human donor milk, expressed breastmilk, and formula feeds to maximise the child’s growth potential

·          to understand the use of, and be able to advise on the most appropriate feeding method when delivering supplementary milk feeds, e.g. syringe and cup feeding, supplemental nursing systems, bottle feeding, and enteral tube feeding

·          to develop knowledge about the development of a robust breastfeeding strategy and implement appropriate feeding pathways in the work setting