Sessions - Titles/Summaries

Session space is limited, so REGISTER EARLY to avoid disappointment. Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For the CERP sessions priority is given to healthcare professionals. Sessions and speakers are subject to change. It is not necessary to attend every session block.

Saturday Sessions

Session #1 - 9:15 - 10:45

101 - Challenging Behavior or Stressed-Out Kids by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

What do you do when the independent, capable child becomes unable to accomplish simple tasks or doesn't want you to leave him? Why does a child suddenly find it difficult to fall asleep? What do you do when the child who used to get along with everyone else is suddenly the "troublemaker" or simply refuses to participate at all? Why does a child suddenly start to "lose it" whenever there is a surprise or change in plans? Children rarely tell us, "I'm stressed." Instead they become argumentative, find the simplest tasks overwhelming, and feel anxious and uncomfortable. Join Mary Sheedy Kurcinka to discover: The symptoms of stress in children's challenging behaviors; The link between adults' stress and children's; Tested techniques for soothing and calming; Tools for enhancing children's resiliency.

102 - Ethics for Breastfeeding Professionals by Jen Peddlesden - CERP session

Learn about the IBLCE Code of Ethics and Tenet #24, the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Become familiar with how and why violations of "the Code" have become acceptable and how they affect breastfeeding outcomes. Understand how to evaluate actions and decisions within the healthcare arena so as to adhere to these codes.

Session #2 - 11:00 - 12:30

201 - The Spirited Child: Secrets to Effective Discipline by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

How do you discipline a child who refuses to take "no" for an answer and seems to know the perfect trigger to "push your buttons?" What strategies work with a child who can feel the seams in socks and refuses to wear them or one who "loses it" because there is a change in plans? What do you do when he's having difficulty listening or staying focused? Is there a way to survive and even enjoy life with a spirited child? Join Mary Sheedy Kurcinka to discover: What makes kids spirited; Techniques that help you identify and focus on this child's strengths; Effective discipline strategies for stopping challenging behaviors; Tools for teaching this child essential life skills, such as managing intensity, coping with change, and working with others; How to plan for success and create an environment where the spirited child thrives; An appreciation for the joy and excitement of life with the spirited child.

202 - Supporting the Mental Health of Breastfeeding Mothers and Babies by Anu Chiarelli - CERP session

Learn about the effects of postpartum depression and anxiety, insecure attachment, traumatic birth experiences, eating disorders, and childhood sexual abuse on mothers, babies, and breastfeeding. Practical strategies for addressing psychological issues will be presented.

203 - Babywearing Basics by Kim Johnstone

Babywearing is an ancient tradition which has gained popularity in recent years. In this session, newcomers and seasoned babywearers alike will have the chance to learn something new. Come join us for an overview of the different types of baby carriers available. We'll We'll look at how to choose the carrier that best suits your needs as well as how to use carriers properly and safely. Demonstrations and information will be available for a variety of carriers.

204 - Just when you get the hang of it.... A Dad's Journey by Mark Astridge and Gary Chiarelli

A humorous look at supporting our wives/partners and children, from their beginning to our end.

205 - Staying Active and Healthy Through Pregnancy and Postnatally

Description: not available yet.

Session #3 - 13:30 - 15:00

301 - Helping Infants Get the Sleep They Need: Why Temperament Matters by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

Do you wonder why some infants take 20 minute "cat naps" while others sleep for two hours? Why do some infants "startle" and wake themselves whenever they're laid down? And why do some babies only sleep when they're resting "on" their parents? It's estimated that 40% of infants and toddlers are literally screaming for more sleep, and yet are too wired to get it. Join Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, author of Sleepless in America to discover: The scientific link between temperament and sleep; The importance of sleep for maximizing children's health, development and performance; Practical tools and real-life examples to help even the most "spirited" infants get the sleep they need.

302 - Assessment and Care When Mothers Have Sore Nipples by Maureen Fjeld - CERP session

This session will focus on assessment and treatment of a mother with sore nipples. Strategies for improving positioning and latching are presented. You will also learn about options for topical nipple care and the importance of follow-up.

303 - Your Spirited Child as an Adult by Joan Little, Lana Lonseth and Nancy Whistance-Smith

Come listen to three mothers who have lovingly raised spirited children to adulthood and are excited about answering questions, encouraging parents and providing hope.

304 - Talking to Kids About Sex by Lisa Loeppky and Pam MacKay

A thought provoking discussion on how to be prepared for any question that your kids may throw your way. A breakdown of what information is appropriate at different ages and how to decrease your own discomfort while talking to your kids about sex. No matter what the age, it's never too early or too late to open the lines of communication.

305 - The Pre Application Period - When Feeling Good is Not Good Enough by Patricia Tatlow - Leaders and Leader Applicants Only

In this session we will discuss why our motherly and Leader intuition is not enough to work effectively in developing future Leadership. Using LAD and La Leche League resources to ensure positive and effective applications, we can grow to be an impressive mothering force. The necessity of working outside the box to achieve excellence in support of nature's best is the essence of continuing the La Leche League tradition of mother to mother support. All Leaders and Applicants are invited to join Patricia in this important session.

Session #4 - 15:15 - 16:45

401 - What Mothers Want and What Babies Know by Jacki Glover - CERP session

An interactive session exploring what mothers want to support breastfeeding initiation and how following babies lead in a supportive environment can make that happen.

402 - Sweet Dreams: Coping with Night Time Parenting by Leann Kleckner, Ann Heninger and Alice Russell

A panel of experienced Leaders give ideas on ways to meet the needs of the family at night. Come share ideas that work for you or find ways that may help everyone get enough sleep.

403 - Mothering Multiples by Michele McShane

Practical tips for breastfeeding and parenting when babies arrive in pairs, trios, or more. Providing support for mothers of multiples.

404 - GirlMom by Fiona Audy

A chance for younger mums to talk with others about the joys and challenges of becoming a mother sooner than society expects. This session is restricted to mothers age of 22 and under or those who were 22 or younger when they became mothers.

405 - The Attached Couple by Anu and Gary Chiarelli

Discover how the relationship with your own parents has affected your couple relationship. Learn how to fight without destroying your relationship and practical ways to increase emotional connection in your couple relationship.

Sunday Sessions

Session #5 - 10:30 - 11:30

501 - Knowing When to Help and When to Bite Your Tongue by Donna Cookson Martin, Jacki Glover and Colleen Kennedy

A panel discussion for grandmothers and others who want with all our hearts to help our daughters, sisters or other loved ones and friends to know the joys of mothering through breastfeeding. Helping loved ones can be as much about family relationships and emotions as it is about providing information and support. What are the challenges? Bring your thoughts and experiences, and let's learn together.

502 - Infant Caries and Oral Development As It Relates to Breastfeeding by Christine Lilge

We will discuss how early childhood caries (decay) is a multifactorial disease and find out how breastfeeding fits in to the process. Also we will cover how breastfeeding contributes to development of the orofacial structure of your baby and its effects on breathing, sleep apnea and orthodontics.

503 - Food: Learning to Live With Sensitivities, Allergies and Intolerances by Amanda Whiting

Food issues have become very prevalent in our homes and schools in recent years. In this session, you will learn the difference between food sensitivities, allergies and intolerances, how to discover food issues, and how to adapt to your unique situation.

504 - Photography by Karin Gerritsen

This is an informal workshop intended for anyone who is interested in photography. Special focus will be on taking pictures of the little ones. This session will include 10 practical tips for great photos: sharper photos, close ups, resolution settings, reducing/avoiding red eyes, use of flash (indoors and outdoors), how to focus on a off-centre subject, and how to get better group shots. Bring your camera - put what you've learned into action immediately!

505 - Healing Difficult Birth Experiences and Breastfeeding Loss by Anu Chiarelli

If giving birth was a less than hoped-for, disappointing, distressing or traumatic experience for you and/or you have painful feelings regarding breastfeeding, this session is for you. You will have a chance to take part in a guided discussion, but with no pressure to talk, and learn about healing and how your experience can be different next time if you have more children. Spouses/partners and others who wish to understand and help with these childbearing losses are encouraged to attend.

Keynote - 11:45 - 13:15

Keynote - Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

Do you ever wonder what the difference is between listening to a child and spoiling him? Do you worry that if you give in today you will be giving in forever? Have you ever been frustrated because strategies that seem to work for others don't work for you? What do you do when everyday activities become battles nobody wins? Power struggles are like a great mystery. The real story is never what it looks like at first glance. And like a great mystery, a power struggle cannot be solved until we discover the real culprits. Join Mary Sheedy Kurcinka to discover: How to build a relationship that makes kids WANT to work with you; Strategies for identifying the REAL feelings and needs that fuel the power struggles; The secret to managing the intensity - yours and the children's; Techniques for teaching children respectful and appropriate ways to express feelings and needs; Tools to help you stop reacting and instead win cooperation and have more fun.

Session #6 - 13:45 - 14:45

601 - Balancing Work/School/Breastfeeding by Lisa Loeppky and Anne Frantz

The benefits, challenges and practical suggestions for continuing your breastfeeding adventures. A useful session for both those who are in, or planning to be in, these situations and those who support them.

602 - Topic TBA

Description: not available yet.

603 - The Hospitalized Baby's Best Advocates by Jennifer Kowal

There are many reasons why a baby might be hospitalized, so it is important to understand the implications beyond the immediate physical health concerns. We will discuss the value of parents to the baby and how parents, Leaders, and support people can work with the baby's health care providers to honor that relationship.

604 - Teen Motherhood, Sharing the Experience by Fiona Audy

How can we as adults support and encourage young mothers while learning to appreciate the different and often difficult circumstances under which teen mothers are parenting?

605 - The Birth of a Leader by Donna Cookson Martin - Leader Applicants only

The birth of a new La Leche League Leader, like the birth of a new baby, takes time, resources, preparation and love. It is rich with fears, hopes and expectations. This session is an opportunity for Leader Applicants to help each other along the steps to a smooth, rewarding accreditation, and share the trials and triumphs of their application journey.

 

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