An Osteopathic Approach to Feeding

This is a 3-day program of lectures and practical presented in March 2024. There will be a 1.5 hour introductory webinar in February 2024

Julie has been teaching with Advance Osteopathy for the past 10 years. She over 40 year’s clinical experience in the osteopathic care of pregnant women, preparing for birth and then caring for them postnatally, along with vast clinical knowledge and teaching experience in paediatrics; caring for babies and children from newborn throughout infancy and childhood.

Julie is also a breastfeeding counsellor and has studied further within lactation, assisting mothers and babies through their milk feeding journey and transition to family foods.

This three-day program on an Osteopathic Approach to Feeding will begin with a 1.5 hour webinar introducing the concepts of breastfeeding for the mother and baby.

This will be followed by 3 days face to face teaching including lectures on the anatomy and physiology of feeding for the mother and baby. It will include demonstrations of examining and treating mothers and babies, in the classroom and practical opportunities to explore and rehearse treatment on each other.

Julie will cover and discuss various issues that occur within the breastfeeding dyad for both the mother, such as inflammation in the lactiferous ducts, and the baby, including oral function and digestion. She will also explore bottle feeding and the use of dummies.

Complex issues of breastfeeding will be discussed and the possible osteopathic contribution demonstrated, providing a pathway to work alongside other health care professionals in caring for a family on their feeding journey.

Programme

The anatomy of feeding for the infant and child

• Oral function of the Infant
• The normal feeding processes in breastfeeding and changes over time

• Alternative milk feeding possibilities such as bottle feeding and an introduction to other methods of feeding

• Considerations of feeding in NICU and Special Care Unit with the possible effects

• Digestive Function of the infant and child

• Guidelines for assessing milk intake

• Frequently occurring issues seen in clinical practice for the baby re facial mechanics, oral function and health

The breastfeeding anatomy of the mother

• Maternal health and postnatal recover

• Psychological and emotional care of the mother in the milk feeding relationship
• Considerations of breastfeeding hormonally and physiologically for the mother
• Frequently occurring issues seen in clinical practice with the mother’s breast health
• Physiology of milk production

Special anatomical considerations such as oral ties, cleft lip and palate

• Infants with special needs
• Dummies the pros and cons. Finger and thumb sucking
• Feeding and Sleep
• Transition to family food

Osteopathic considerations in examination assessment and treatment

• When to refer
• Working alongside other caregivers