About
Mission
At The Lactation OT, our courses are curated for occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists, to gain lactation-specific knowledge and skill in order to help families reach their feeding goals. Our continuing education courses provide high-quality, evidence-based, learning experiences to promote lactation-informed therapy and support therapists that would like to advance their careers and pursue the IBCLC credential.
A perfect marriage of skills
As Occupational Therapists, there are so many ways in which we found the therapeutic process of the OT practitioner to be an amazing framework to use within supporting the breastfeeding dyad. Within the scope of the OT practitioner is infant feeding, manual techniques, mental health, health management, nutrition management, and more!
Breastfeeding is a co-occupation and with our knowledge of task analysis, infant development, sensory processing, and more we have the prime opportunity to specialize in lactation with the proper continuing education.
For a more thorough review using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF IV), watch this course that offers 0.1 AOTA CEU. If you are ready to get started in your lactation specialization, download the guide.
About Our On-Demand, Lactation-Specific CEU
The Lactation OT learning platform was designed to optimize the learner experience of on-demand, online continuing education courses. Each course is held to high standards to create consistency within learning experiences from a variety of instructors. All of the continuing education courses on the platform are self-paced in order to provide the most flexible and customizable learning experience. We understand the time constraints of life and offer 6 months of access to all course materials. Downloadable handouts are also available to accommodate multiple learning styles.
Traditionally, continuing education courses require travel, lodging accommodations, and the privilege of time and money to leave responsibilities such as employment and family obligations. The Lactation OT aspires to increase the accessibility of specialized continuing education by offering high-quality, on-demand learning experiences. Ultimately, this decreased the time and costs associated with transportation, lodging, and absence of employer and family.
In addition to promoting lactation-specific continuing education, we hope to build a community of supportive professionals that are inspired to continue growth and advancement within the therapy professions.
About The Co-Founders
Meet Dairian
MS, OTR/L, IBCLC, PMH-C
Owner, humbled by motherhood
Dairian received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine and completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. A lover of biomechanics, Dairian immediately specialized in hand therapy post-graduation.
After years in hand therapy (private practice and outpatient hospital), she transitioned from splints and casting to babies. Motherhood will do that to you. Immediately after the birth of her first child, Dairian trained in traditional postpartum care and homeopathy. Determined to provide equitable care for lactation after her own racially biased care, she completed the CLEC program. This prompted a change in specialty from hand therapy to early intervention.
Dairian continued to receive further certification as a newborn care specialist as well as multiple manual therapy techniques.She is a passionate advocate for Black maternal health equity – providing high-quality, highly specialized, accessible care within her community.
Dairian lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband, son, daughter, and family pet, Fire Dragon, a bearded dragon lizard.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” -Maya Angelou
Meet Marissa
MSOT, OTR/L, IBCLC
Owner, Lactation & Development Resources
From a young age, Marissa was exposed to an alternative way of thinking about health and wellness through her parents’ wellness-focused marketing company. Marissa attended Brandeis University where she dedicated her studies to Psychology and Public Health with an emphasis on maternal/child health and child development. During and after college Marissa worked with children 0-5 years old both privately with families and at a child development center.
Ultimately, Marissa earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Salus University. While in graduate school, Marissa was fortunate to participate in fieldwork at the Breastfeeding Resource Center in the greater Philadelphia suburbs. It was there that she learned that breastfeeding does not seem to come easily (or go as planned) for the majority of families.
Partnering with families to meet their lactation and infant feeding goals has become Marissa’s passion and life work. She is so honored to be able to combine her knowledge and skills in order to offer a unique approach to resolving lactation and infant feeding difficulties.
Marissa lives in Dallas, TX, is married to her college sweetheart, and is the mother of two beautiful children, a daughter — Aurora, and a son — Ezra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some courses reserved for licensed therapists?
We place a high value on ethical practice and want to ensure that the courses we offer to professionals are within their respective scope of practice. Since there is no guarantee how the end user will interpret and use the information, The Lactation OT errs on the side of caution with liability.
The following courses are open to professionals outside of licensed therapists:
- Bottle Feeding Skills: Refining Clinical Reasoning for Selection and Use ➝ open to all healthcare professionals
- Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding ➝ open to professionals with a licensed full body scope of practice and previous bodywork experience
- Failure to Thrive, Suboptimal Weight Gain, and the Lactation Savvy Therapist ➝ open to all healthcare professionals
- Mixed Feeding: Support families supplementing with infant formula ➝ open to all healthcare professionals
- Tongue Ties and Breastfeeding: Perspectives and Strategies from a Lactation Savvy Therapist ➝ open to all healthcare professionals
Why do courses offer L-CERPs?
To encourage therapists (OT, SLP, and PT) to advance their career and pursue the IBCLC credential. Also, to encourage the renewal of other lactation certifications such as the CLC, CBS, CLEC, CLS, etc.
Which pathway did Dairian and Marissa pursue to become an IBCLC?
Dairian started in Pathway 1, then switched to Pathway 3 for official mentorship. Marissa completed Pathway 1 with unofficial mentorship. Either way, it is highly suggested to find mentorship (official or unofficial).
Does Dairian or Marissa offer mentorship?
At this time Dairian and Marissa only offer private mentorship to those within The Lactation OT group mentorship program.
Which lactation certification do you recommend?
Dairian completed the CLEC with UC San Diego Extension program followed by the courses offered at LER. Marissa completed the CBS with LER. The "How to Get Started in Lactation" Guide lists multiple programs in the comparison chart.