Announcing the Pregnancy for Professionals:
Interdisciplinary Perinatal Health Summit: Collaborative Care for Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum
1st Annual Full-Day Virtual Interdisciplinary Learning Event
We are all doing our best to support our patients and provide them with the best care. But the current medical system is designed in such a way that often siloes us and keeps us in the dark about new and emerging practices, different kinds of support, and a comprehensive approach to care. This inclusive and integrated approach is particularly essential for maternity care.
Join our free, online, interdisciplinary, full day learning event where we will follow the perinatal patient's journey from conception through to postpartum. Topics are diverse and speakers range from a variety of backgrounds and expertise. The day is structured into multiple, interdisciplinary panels as well as smaller presentations, aiming to present a better approach to care, for patients and providers alike. Click here for the agenda and full list of speakers!
Creating a sustainable practice means supporting our patients and our providers.
Sign-up for the 1st Annual
Pregnancy for Professionals Full-Day Virtual Learning Event!
Saturday, November 4th, 2023 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm PST.
Applicable toward self-study CME credits.
Thank you to our sponsors!
This project was funded by Shared Care & Doctors of BC, with support from:
Morning
8:30 - 9:00 PST | Opening remarks by Dr. Alicia Power & Dr. Sarah Lea
Navigating PCOS and Fertility: Integrating Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Medical Strategies
9:00 - 10:00 am PST
This enlightening talk dives into the intricate relationship between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and fertility, exploring the impact of PCOS on reproductive health and fertility outcomes. Drawing on the latest research and clinical insights, this session aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of PCOS and its implications for fertility. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about the diagnostic criteria, management options, and evidence-based interventions to support individuals with PCOS in their journey to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including the hormonal imbalances and metabolic abnormalities associated with the condition.
- Explore the impact of PCOS on fertility and reproductive health, including ovulation dysfunction, menstrual irregularities, and the increased risk of infertility.
- Review the importance of a comprehensive and individualized approach to managing PCOS-related infertility, considering factors such as age, weight, lifestyle, and coexisting conditions.
- Learn about the role of lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and weight management, in improving fertility outcomes for individuals with PCOS.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals with PCOS and fertility challenges, emphasizing a patient-centered and holistic approach to improve outcomes.
Note: It is important to highlight that the management of PCOS-related infertility should be individualized and based on the specific needs and preferences of each patient. Attendees should be encouraged to consult the latest clinical guidelines and seek guidance from reproductive endocrinologists or fertility specialists for comprehensive management strategies.
Empowering the Lactating Journey: Managing Milk Supply through Medical and Non-Medical Approaches
10:15 - 11:15 am PST
This informative talk dives into the complex topic of low milk supply in lactation, exploring the various factors that can contribute to this common challenge for breastfeeding and chest feeding individuals. From hormonal influences to lifestyle factors, this session will provide an in-depth understanding of low milk supply and its management. Additionally, the talk will touch upon the concept of induced lactation, discussing the techniques and strategies for stimulating milk production in non-gestational parents. Attendees will gain valuable insights into assessment, interventions, and support mechanisms to enhance milk supply and promote successful breastfeeding experiences.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the multifactorial nature of low milk supply in lactation, including physiological, psychological, and environmental factors that can impact milk production.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of low milk supply, distinguishing between true insufficient milk production and perceived low supply. - Review evidence-based strategies for assessing and managing low milk supply, including effective breastfeeding techniques, herbal and medicinal treatments.
- Understand the concept of induced lactation and its applications in non-gestational parents, including adoptive parents, same-sex couples, and individuals who have not experienced pregnancy.
- Explore the techniques and interventions for inducing lactation, including the use of hormonal therapy, breast stimulation, and galactagogues.
Note: It is important to ensure that medical professionals or lactation consultants who are specifically trained in induced lactation techniques are present during the talk or available for consultation, as induced lactation involves specialized knowledge and guidance.
Breaking Barriers with Language: Empowering Pregnant Individuals through Inclusive Care Practices
11:15 - 12:15 pm PST
This thought-provoking talk aims to explore the impact of gendered language in the care of the perinatal population. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this session will delve into the power dynamics, biases, and assumptions embedded in language use, and how they can influence the experiences of individuals across the gender spectrum during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of inclusive language, the potential harms of gendered language, and practical strategies for promoting more respectful and inclusive communication within perinatal care settings.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of gendered language and its implications for the perinatal population, including individuals who identify as cisgender, transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse.
- Recognize the power dynamics and biases inherent in gendered language, and their potential impact on the experiences, autonomy, and mental health of perinatal individuals.
- Explore the relationship between language, identity, and mental well-being, and gain insights into the ways in which gendered language can contribute to marginalization, stigma, and discrimination within perinatal care.
- Examine the potential benefits of adopting inclusive language practices in perinatal care, including fostering trust, enhancing patient-provider communication, and promoting respectful and affirming environments.
- Learn practical strategies for incorporating inclusive language into everyday practice, including appropriate terminology, pronoun usage, and respectful ways of addressing and referring to perinatal individuals.
Afternoon
12:15 - 12:45 PST | Lunch Break
Beyond Delivery: Integrating Disciplines for Optimal Pelvic Floor Recovery Postpartum
12:45 - 2:15 pm PST
This enlightening panel discussion brings together experts in the field of nutrition, pelvic health, and physiotherapy to examine the evidence on pushing during labor and its potential impact on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction. The panel will explore the latest research findings, controversies, and clinical considerations surrounding pushing techniques and their association with pelvic floor health. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the evidence base and learn about management options to optimize postpartum pelvic floor function and prevent or address pelvic floor disorders.
Learning Objectives:
- Review and understand the physiological changes that occur in the pelvic floor during pregnancy, review the current evidence on pushing techniques during labor and their potential influence on postpartum pelvic floor function, including the impact on pelvic organ support, muscle integrity, and continence.
- Discuss the controversies and debates surrounding directed pushing versus spontaneous pushing, potential risk factors for postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary incontinence and prolapse, and explore the various factors that may influence the choice of pushing technique in different clinical scenarios.
- Explore the role of pelvic health physiotherapy in assessing and managing postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, including the use of pelvic floor muscle training, behavioral modifications, and other therapeutic interventions.
- Explore emerging research and innovative strategies in the prevention and management of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, including the use of technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered approaches.
- Discuss the importance of nutrition in preparing for childbirth and recovering from birth and some tips you can give your patient/client.
Navigating Tongue Tie: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Evaluation and Treatment
2:30 - 3:30 pm PST
This talk aims to provide an understanding of the impact, assessment, and management of tongue ties in infants. Drawing on the expertise of an interdisciplinary model, this talk will explore the multifaceted nature of tongue ties, examining the anatomical, functional, and developmental aspects. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges associated with tongue ties and how a collaborative approach can optimize patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the anatomical and functional components of tongue ties, including the relevant structures involved and their impact on oral function.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of tongue ties in infants, including potential implications for breastfeeding, speech, and overall oral health.
- Examine the potential effects of tongue ties on breastfeeding, including latch difficulties, maternal pain, and low milk supply, and learn about evidence-based strategies for supporting successful breastfeeding in these cases.
- Discuss the various treatment options available for tongue ties, including both conservative and surgical approaches, while considering the importance of a collaborative decision-making process.
From Burnout to Balance: Understanding the Importance of Energy Management for Health Care Providers
3:30 - 4:30 pm PST
This empowering talk delves into the crucial topic of wellness and burnout prevention in healthcare workers, recognizing the unique challenges and demands they face in their professional lives. Through an exploration of effective strategies and practical tools, this session aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to optimize their personal energy, enhance well-being, and prevent burnout. Attendees will learn valuable techniques to cultivate resilience, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care in order to thrive in their healthcare careers.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of personal energy and its significance in the context of healthcare work, recognizing the interplay between physical, mental, emotional & spiritual energy.
- Identify the signs and symptoms of energy depletion, burnout, and compassion fatigue, and gain awareness of the potential consequences on personal and professional well-being.
- Learn practical strategies to optimize personal energy, in each of the energy domains.
- Develop an individualized action plan to enhance personal energy and well-being, incorporating practical strategies learned during the talk and setting goals for ongoing self-care.
Note: It is important to reinforce the importance of seeking professional help or guidance when needed, and to emphasize that the talk is intended to provide general information and strategies for managing personal energy, but is not a substitute for professional mental health support or medical advice.
If you are a family doctor, perinatal nurse, physiotherapist, lactation specialist, midwife, doula, dietician, or anything in between -
this event is for you!
Dr. Ginevra Mills
MD, FRCSC
Dr. Mills completed a Master of Science in Cellular and Microbiology Biology at the University of Calgary and subsequently obtained her undergraduate medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan. She went on to complete her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Alberta and a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at McGill University. She is doubly certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
In addition to her expertise in infertility medicine, Dr. Mills has special interests in the lifelong health and fertility implications of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), as well as in delivering and refining medical education. She has authored chapters in multiple textbooks and her academic work has been published in high-impact medical journals.
As a mother of three children, Dr. Mills understands the importance of family. She is a tireless advocate for her patients and is always committed to developing a treatment plan suited to the circumstance of each individual. Outside of medicine, Dr. Mills is a runner and nature enthusiast, an amateur photographer, and a freelance writer.
Niloufar Deilami
Niloufar Deilami is a Registered Dietitian. She completed her undergraduate studies in Food and Nutrition at the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University. Niloufar also holds a Master of Public Health in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Toronto. Niloufar has worked as a clinical dietitian in Toronto and Vancouver in areas including adult diabetes, diabetes and pregnancy, cardiac rehab and general outpatient nutrition.
Niloufar currently runs a private practice and also works at Fraser Health as an outpatient dietitian. She has a special interest in women’s health and the nutritional management of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), infertility and gestational diabetes. Niloufar is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-centered, and culturally appropriate nutrition care.
Dr. Christina Raimondi
MD, CCFP, FCFP, IBCLC, Family Physician
A Family Doctor practicing both Family Medicine and Breastfeeding Medicine in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada, Dr. Raimondi attended Medical School and Residency at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 2006. She has always been interested in Women's health and advocacy but her interest and passion for Breastfeeding Medicine began with the birth of her daughters in 2012 & 2015. In 2017, she Co-Founded the Winnipeg Breastfeeding Centre, the first MD led Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic in Manitoba. As clinical teachers for the department of Family Medicine at the University of Manitoba, the clinic provides education to medical learners and practicing physicians. They also collaborate with Researchers, Public health, IBCLCs and clinicians within their province to improve breastfeeding rates, postpartum experiences and health equity in the community.
Rowan K. McNiven
RM, IBCLC
Rowan has been a healthcare practitioner in the field of perinatal care since they graduated with a Bachelor of Midwifery from the University of British Columbia in 2009. They have provided full-scope midwifery, lactation and postpartum care in both rural and urban settings around the province during their fourteen years of practice.
Since becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2013, Rowan has been serving the Victoria region and virtual consultation support throughout the provinceas a full-time infant feeding and lactation consultant (RM, IBCLC).
Rowan is especially enthusiastic about providing care for transgender and queer parents, including folks seeking support with induced lactation. As a member of the LGBTQ2SIA community, they are attuned to gaps of care in the birthing field for transgender and queer parents and continuously work to close the gaps.
Additional areas of interest and specialization include: feeding support for medically complex and preterm infants, tongue tie and other oral restrictions, nervous system and regulation support for babies to support feeding difficulties, supporting access to comprehensive infant feeding support for parents from equity-deserving groups, and trauma-informed care.
Trystan Reese
Educator
Trystan Reese is a transgender educator who focuses on reproductive justice, fertility, and family-building. He spent nearly two years as the Director of Family Formation at Family Equality, a US-based nonprofit supporting LGBTQ parents, prospective parents, and families. During that time, he educated hundreds of medical providers on deepening their ability to understand, support, and welcome the full breadth of the LGBTQ community into their work. He now runs Collaborate Consulting and has partnered with ASRM, the Meaningful Care Conference, Boston IVF, FertilityIQ, Carrot Fertility, the Modern Families UK Conference, and many other societies, organizations, convenings, insurers, and clinics.
An adoptive and gestational parent himself, Trystan weaves personal and professional expertise into his consulting and training with fertility and obstetric professionals. His first book, How We Do Family, was released in 2021 and as an author, Trystan was selected by Lambda Literary as a 2021 LGBTQ Emerging Voices Fellow. His second book, The Light Of You, is a picture book detailing his family’s preparation for the arrival of their third child, whom Trystan gave birth to.
He is married to his partner Biff and they live in Portland, Oregon with their three kids: Lucas, Sully, and Leo. They are very happy.
Noelle Martin
MScFN, RD
Noelle Martin is a Registered Dietitian with a Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition. She is also a mom of three boys. Noelle has a passion for educating and inspiring others in areas related to nutrition and overall health. Noelle specializes in areas of maternal and paediatric nutrition, sports nutrition, and food allergies/intolerances. In addition to her work in recipe development and writing, Noelle is a University Instructor and enjoys counselling and running workshops. Noelle also has an active Instagram feed and blog dedicated to educating and inspiring moms to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. Noelle has a mission to help families bring consistent healthy choices to the chaos of life.
Brie Voisey
RN
Brie is a Registered Nurse who has worked at Peace Arch Hospital on the Maternity Unit for over 9 years. Brie has always loved helping others and when she discovered maternity back in 2013, she knew immediately it was where she was meant to be. It ignited a spark in her and she was so drawn to the work and learning that came along with it. She loves being able to support families as they transition into parenthood and navigate their new normal. She is extremely passionate about researching and discussing ways to make the overall patient experience more positive and holistic. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment for families as they go through one of the biggest transitions of their lives.
Dr. Sinéad Dufour
MScPT, PhD, Associate Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Health Science at McMaster University
Dr. Sinéad Dufour is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Health Science at McMaster University. She teaches and conducts research in both the Schools of Medicine and Rehabilitation Science. She completed her MScPT at McMaster University (2003), her PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science at Western (2011), and returned to McMaster to complete a post-doctoral fellowship (2013). Her current research interests include: conservative approaches to manage pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy-related pelvic-girdle pain, and interprofessional collaborative practice models of service provision to enhance pelvic health. Additionally, Sinéad has undergone training in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine and is currently completing a full certificate program with Dr. Aviva Romm. Sinéad stays current clinically through her work as the Director of Pelvic Health Services at The World of my Baby (the WOMB) a family of perinatal care centers in Ontario, Canada. In addition to managing her own very busy caseload, she mentors novice pelvic health physiotherapists and is a clinical preceptor for family medicine residents and midwifery students from McMaster University. Sinéad in an invited member on several committees for various organizations including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and the International Continence Society. She is also serving as the Guest Editor for the upcoming special issue: Optimizing the Fourth Trimester, for the Women’s Health Physical Therapy Journal. Her passion for optimizing perinatal care and associated upstream health promotion for women and children stemmed from her own experience becoming a mother of twins. She is an advocate for women’s pelvic health and a regular invited speaker at conferences around the world.
Dr. Yvonne LeFort
BSc, MD, FRNZCGP, FCFP, FABM, IBCLC
Dr. Yvonne LeFort has been a family physician for over 25 years and is based in Auckland New Zealand. She is a graduate of Dalhousie Medical School and University of Calgary Family Medicine in Canada. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine since 2013 and an elected Board Member for 6 years.
She has been involved in helping breastfeeding mothers and babies for over 20 years. Her specific interest in tongue tie and its management was nurtured through her association with Dr. Evelyn Jain who was a true pioneer in the recognition of the importance of breastfeeding and the impact that untreated ankyloglossia can cause on the breastfeeding experience.
Dr. LeFort has established a private Breastfeeding Clinic in Auckland New Zealand providing comprehensive lactation care for mothers and their infants. She specializes in tongue tie assessment and treatment, insufficient milk production or overproduction, unresolved pain breast pain or other symptoms, including the fussy baby, preparing to breastfeed, inducing lactation for adoption or surrogacy, and any medical problem impacting the breastfeeding dyad.
Sarah Clement
IBCLC, OMT, CPRCS
Sarah is an Australian trained (but proud Kiwi) Osteopathic Practitioner passionate in and so incredibly grateful for her work with parent's, babies and their families. She moved from Melbourne, Australia to Vancouver Island in 2014, initially to Victoria and is now based in the Comox Valley.
As a 16 year old, fascinated by the human body and a high school athlete, she decided to pursue a career in working with acutely injured athletes and rehabbing them back to high level sports performance, from start to finish. So, right out of high school she launched into her game plan: undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in sport science (BAppSci and Masters), a graduate diploma in exercise rehabilitation and undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Osteopathy (BAppSci and Masters). She spent ten incredible years putting all this information together and working in elite sport with many developing (adolescent age) athletes. Here, she realized that although she loved working in sport, her stronger passion was for supporting these young athletes to understand and promote health in their bodies. So, as a self-confessed learning fanatic she changed my education tact and have spent the past ten years immersing herself in hundreds of hours of perinatal, infant, child and breast/body feeding related education.
She is an IBCLC designated Lactation Consultant and trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT). She is designated as a Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist (CPRCS). In her clinic (Growing Bodies Wellness) she sees and supports predominantly feeding related challenges and has a special interest in oral dysfunction, including oral ties.
Dr. Alicia Power
MD, CCFP
Dr. Alicia Power is a family doctor in Victoria, BC. She has a special interest in maternity and the care of young families. She is passionate about quality improvement and continual learning. She has two young kids and a pup of her own and loves to spend time outdoors with her family. Through her work with She Found Motherhood she has learned so much from her physician and allied health colleagues that she wants to bring this opportunity to others in an easily accessible, collaborative and evidence based way.
Dr. Sarah Lea
MD, CCFP
Dr. Sarah Lea is a double - board certified family and addiction medicine physician and certified executive coach. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Sarah completed her medical school training at Dalhousie University in 2010. After completing 2.5 years of a residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia, she transitioned into Family Medicine. Upon completion of my training in Family Medicine, she practiced full-service family medicine with a specific interest in addiction medicine, women’s health, and obstetrics. Upon completion of her CEC training from Royal Roads and meditation teacher training, she took a step back from clinical medicine to support women physicians and professionals by bringing self-care back into healthcare while also helping working mothers find their true identity and guilt-free & joy-filled definition of success. Part-time physician, part-time coach, and full-time mama of three beautiful boys and two fur babies, Sarah lives with her husband on Lekwungen territory spending her free time hiking, biking and generally enjoying the great outdoors.
