If you are an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, of course you've seen (and heard about) about different bottles, pumps, flanges, nipple shields, alternative feeding products and more...there are always new things coming on the market and it's hard to keep up. You may have also heard about the "new" concept in "going smaller" with flanges--we'll thoroughly discuss this and why this is and how to do effective and thorough flange fitting sessions with your clients.
We support families best in making choices when we are confident about how the items on the market work (or don't work as well as others). Let's talk about what products are out there, how to use them and why you might lean toward one or another (or not). And let's talk about how to talk about them with our clients!
Now there's a workshop that will explore various breast pumps, flange sizes/shapes/materials, bottles and other feeding-related gear. Explore new ideas about flange sizes, different materials of flanges and flange inserts (which aren't as simple and effective as they may seem). You'll learn why and how to do an effective flange fitting consultation, we'll talk about passive pumps and milk-catchers, the new pumps on the market (including wearables). You'll see the differences between bottles (hint: it's NOT just about the shape of the nipple and the flow rate), pacifiers and more. And gain access to videos, resources and a community of colleagues so you can really delve into these topics after the workshop and keep learning.
What is the Pumping & Feeding Gear for IBCLCs Workshop?
This workshop provides IBCLCs with information, tools and techniques they want to have so they can provide practical support to families who are pumping and/or feeding infants. While no workshop could possibly have every product on the market--although your instructor prides herself on having MOST of the pumps and feeding-related products on the market--this workshop WILL have MANY for you to see and many will be demonstrated. And, as it's a workshop format, participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share what they know and have experienced in their work with families related to pumping and feeding gear.
This is a 4-hour online workshop (plus an 4+ hours of additional video content and other written resources), led by Jeanette Mesite Frem, MHS, IBCLC, RLC, CCE of Babies in Common, who is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and experienced childbirth educator. Jeanette does flange fittings and pumping sessions with most of her clients as well as many bottlefeeding sessions and consultations about bottle challenges. She's collected and used many pumps, bottles and other gear in her practice and is is experienced with virtual consultations and using props for teaching parents and will utilize those skills during this online workshop.
What will be presented and discussed?
- passive pumps, milk catchers and other breast care products that may help pumping parents
- breast care products our clients may be using
- the many different types of pumps, brands, new, old, suction strength, speeds...
- she has 35+ different types and sizes of flanges (also known as pump breast shields) that we can discuss and you'll see some demonstrated
- why the traditional recommendations for flange fittings are no longer what many us recommend for our clients (and the history of why those "old" recommendations were even created)
- how to do an effective flange fitting with a client (including videos of real parents pumping and Jeanette doing flange fitting sessions with them)
- she has 51 electric pumps and several manual pumps are available...you'll be asked which ones you are most curious about and Jeanette will discuss/demonstrate those and several of the most interesting options
- pump settings--what works best?
- she has more than 60 different bottles and nipples (well, she won't go over ALL of them, but wow!) and the discussion will include why some might be preferred by feeding professionals over others--what about bottle shape, nipple shape, nipple material and flow rates? Lots of demonstration will happen.
- Jeanette will touch the gear and demonstrate much of it for you (close to the camera so you can really see it!)
- what gear you can consider purchasing (or having your hospital/office purchase), where to get it and how to pay for it
Who should join this workshop?
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new IBCLCs
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experienced IBCLCs who haven't used pumps and various bottles in their practice yet
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experienced IBCLCs who want to build their confidence in doing pump flange fittings and helping families with bottles and other gear
BONUSES FOR WORKSHOP MEMBERS
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- an invitation to join an active private Facebook group just for workshop attendees to discuss pumping and feeding gear in the future as issues with your clients come up and as new products come out
- private access to many additional resources and videos (including 4+ hours of recorded videos you can watch at your own leisure and continued to access to them--including any that are added in the future) that cover
- history of pumps and flanges
- measurement tools for flange fittings (although are they really needed?)
- flange fittings, in-depth (including wearable pumps)
- different types and sizes of nipple shields
- nipple everters
- alternative feeding tools, including cup options
- milk pullers and drip catchers
- pacifiers
- various pumps
- pumping bras
- milk storage options, and
- a few additional bonuses
- you'll be able to join scheduled Facebook Live Connection & Gear Discussion Calls that are held 2 times per month to discuss issues that you and other workshop participants have questions about (our Facebook group is very active, so there are always new questions that come up).
- you’ll be invited to view past PFG Monthly Calls, which are recorded, hour-long, interactive conversations sessions (via video conference) where workshop participants delved into topics and new products on the market are demonstrated/discussed.
- you'll be invited to become a PFG Patreon Member to
- join Ask Me Anything events via Zoom where we can talk about YOUR questions. Plus, you'll get to know each other better and talk about how things are going in our work related to pumping...enjoy your water, coffee or other preferred beverage in your pajamas!
- join occasional practice-specific Zoom sessions. These are held for three different groups of IBCLCs: hospital-based, WIC-based and private practice-based. It's wonderful to be able to talk in more specific terms about how to support families in our respective practice environments with a group of people who really understand your work environment!
- view past PFG Monthly Calls (see above)
- other benefits, it's evolving!
IBLCE Detailed Content Outline Topics Included
I.B.6 Maternal: Nipple Structure & Variations
VI.5. Techniques: Milk expression
I.A.3. Development and Nutrition: Infant anatomy and anatomical/oral challenges II.B.1. Physiology and Endocrinology: Hormonal influence of milk production
III.B.2. Pathology: Milk ejection reflex dysfunction VI.C. Techniques: Latching (attaching)
VII.A.5. Clinical Skills: Equipment and Technology: Pumps
VII.B.5. Education and Communication: Educating mothers and families
VII.B.7. Education and Communication: Extending the duration of breastfeeding
V.D. Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology: Employment — beginning or returning to work VI.E. Techniques: Milk expression
III.B.7. Pathology: Milk supply, low or over
III.B.9. Pathology: Nipple pain and trauma
VII.A.2.Clinical Skills: Equipment and Technology: Handling and storage of human milk.
VII.A.1. Clinical Skills: Equipment and Technology: Feeding devices
VII.C.5. Clinical Skills: Ethical and Legal Issues: WHO code - advocacy and policy
I.A.3. Development and Nutrition: Infant: Infant anatomy and anatomical/oral challenges
VII.A.5. Clinical Skills: Equipment and Technology: Pumps
VII.B.5. Education and Communication: Educating mothers and families
VII.B.7. Education and Communication: Extending the duration of breastfeeding
COST
$225 per person, 4 L-CERPs included.
Limited to 15 participants per workshop, minimum of 8 registrants to run workshop.
OPTION ONE Live, interactive sessions with other IBCLCs
Sign up for one of the following two-session online live and interactive workshops:
Two Tuesdays, May 23 & 30, 2023, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Eastern Time/New York Time
NOTE that this workshop is a live, interactive online workshop, scheduled with the EASTERN TIME ZONE (Boston/New York Time).
click here for an easy time and date converter
OPTION TWO Self-paced, video-based course
You're busy and taking this workshop at your own pace might be just what you need. This isn't your typical recorded workshop...you'll feel like you're in a live workshop (except you'll have to type your questions in the Discussion box to be answered later and you won't be able to talk to other IBCLCs while you're watching).
OPTION THREE In-person
There is currently one in-person option scheduled:
a 1-day workshop in Central Massachusetts on Thursday, June 22.
Tell me more!
Note that the two days before the 6/22 in-person workshop, you can also sign up to attend Lactation Therapy: Advanced Clinical Skills with Maya Bolman and Lisa Lahey, in the same location. Click here for more information on their workshop.
International attendees are welcome!
PRICING for Class B, C & D Countries Available For significant discounts for lower-income countries, enter discount codes CLASSB (50% off), CLASSC (70% off) or CLASSD (80% off) at checkout to receive the discount. To determine which discount applies to your country, see the World Bank Economy lists here.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
4 L-CERPs have been granted by IBLCE. Verification #C2022076 (valid until 3/25/2023, then a new verification number will be issued, already approved by IBLCE); Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance (within a month or so of finishing the workshop). Please note that the CERP is valid after 3/25/2023, that date just means the instructor needs to renew the application for the course to count for CERPs before that date). Additional CERPs are pending.
Contact jeanette@babiesincommon.com with questions.
You must be an IBCLC to sign up for this workshop.
We've all been there...
"what is this new contraption?"
"how exactly does this pump work?"
"how can I be sure this is the right size flange for this parent?"
"what IS the best bottle for THIS baby?"
"what do we do about elastic nipples"
"do we go for a bigger flange or smaller?"
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are the live sessions recorded? No, but you will have access to many videos as part of your course.
Can I take screenshots or record the class myself? Absolutely not. This is expressly prohibited.
What if I have to miss a session? If you are going to miss the first session, please let Jeanette know beforehand, as your registration can be moved to a future session. If you miss the second session, you are welcome to attend the second session of a future workshop, just let Jeanette know which one works for your schedule.
Is there a group rate? Yes, if there are 8 or more IBCLCs who work together in the same practice, email jeanette@babiesincommon.com for details on a group rate.
I'm not in the US and pumping isn't as popular where I live, so is this workshop still worth my time? Yes, here's what a Canadian IBCLC said in response to that question:
"As a Canadian IBCLC I found the course super helpful! How I was trained 12+ years ago in pump fitting and the different types of pumps, & products on the market now has increased considerably. This course changed my practice overnight. Even though we don’t have nearly the buffet of pumps to choose from, I see many parents still getting pumps through family/friends in the States and as an IBCLC we need to be aware of these pumps, the pros & cons, as well as the need for much smaller pump flanges! The course also covers bottles, milk collectors and do much more than if very applicable to us in Canada as well. Highly recommend this course."
I'm a CLC/CBS/CLE/CBS, may I take this workshop?
No. HOWEVER, you are an important member of the lactation community and you can absolutely increase your knowledge and skills in flange fitting, pumping and bottlefeeding! Those who are not IBCLCs are welcome to register for the Pumping & Bottlefeeding for Perinatal Professionals Workshop, which covers the same content related to pumps, flanges and helping your clients with flange fittings and bottles and bottlefeeding and so much more.
Testimonials from Participants
"It's not often I take a course that completely changes something about my practice. This was one of them. Mind. Blown. Everything I thought I knew about flange sizing was wrong. I was able to take the information from this course and immediately use it to benefit my clients, and I am so grateful. I want to shout from the rooftops that every IBCLC encountering a pumping mom should be taking this course, so we can help moms get MORE MILK comfortably. The video resources were amazing, and the additional coverage of various gear and equipment was great."
"I just took Jeanette’s Pumping and Feeding Gear Workshop for IBCLCs and highly recommended it! It is one of the few courses (and I’ve taken a lot) where I was able to immediately use what I learned and it had a positive impact on my clients. I learned so many useful tips about flange fit, bottle types and pumps. If you haven’t taken this course yet, I highly recommend it." ~ Tamar Winter, IBCLC
~ Jeanne Pichoff LOTR, IBCLC
"Hands down Jeanette is a knowledgeable and inspiring educator who holds your attention during the 2-part Pumping & Feeding Gear workshop for IBCLCs. In this interactive and inclusive workshop, Jeanette shares current information coupled with a vast array of feeding and education related products, which makes this comprehensive workshop a must for both new and seasoned IBCLCs. ~ Roza Baghdassarian, IBCLC
"I really enjoyed Jeanette's workshop! I have been asking and waiting for a workshop like this for so many years, but no one would offer it. This 4 hour-workshop is so full of up-to-date information, with all kinds of new lactation tools on the market, including the most popular and the least favorite ones too. Jeanette's extensive experience with research and her clients, has helped create a wonderful database of knowledge in this field. I would highly recommend and actually encourage this workshop to anyone that works with the lactation dyad. I will definitely attend her workshop again, to keep up with any updates, in the future. You will be amazed, you will learn a lot, and you will have so much fun, too! - Milli S., IBCLC"
"I enjoyed your lightheartedness during the class. You are fun to watch and listen to."
"Thank you SO MUCH for the workshop! It was really helpful in understanding all the products and accessories on the market."
"Thank you for a great class. I am a newly practicing IBCLC and just starting to get my head around flange sizing."
"I loved your class! I’m a veteran IBCLC and I still found multiple techniques and ideas you provided really helpful...Thanks for taking the time to create such a class. A class I didn't even realize I actually needed. But found incredibly beneficial."


About Your Workshop Facilitator
Jeanette Mesite Frem, MHS, IBCLC, RLC, CCE, SBCPE, CD is an experienced childbirth educator, IBCLC-lactation consultant and retired birth doula. She started her career working with families while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa in the early 90s. She loved that work so much she went on to receive a public health masters degree from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, focusing her studies on nutrition for maternal and child health. Her two children were breastfed for more than 2 years each and Jeanette has experience pumping at work for both children and has supported more than a thousand families with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, bottlefeeding, cupfeeding, tubefeeding, etc. over the years.
Jeanette provides prenatal childbirth and breastfeeding classes at her office in Northborough, Massachusetts, as well as providing virtual feeding consultations as well as in her office. She also enjoys leading workshops for perinatal health professionals and mentoring those who work with families. If you have questions, feel free to email jeanette@babiesincommon.com.