Birth has the potential to be the source of a baby’s first injury. Supporting babies with birth injuries to breastfeed requires an understanding of the common injuries that may present in practice along with a working knowledge of the mechanics involved in optimal positioning and latch. A nuanced approach is then required to assist injured infants overcome barriers of limited movement, dysfunction and pain to learn the skills required for effective latch and transfer of milk.
This presentation will review common infant birth injuries including brachial plexus injuries, clavicular fractures, and torticollis. The biomechanics involved in achieving optimal positioning and latch will be discussed and ways in which birth injuries may impact a dyad’s ability to breastfeed. Learn how to explain good positioning and latching to parents, and how mothers and injured babies can be supported to successfully breastfeed with the right understanding, patience and nuanced modifications.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the key features of optimal infant positioning for breastfeeding and why these help produce a good latch.
2. List common birth injuries, their mechanisms and risk factors associated with them.
3. Describe how to identify signs of congenital muscular torticollis in infants and how to support these dyads to achieve a successful latch.
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