Infant Development for Better Breastfeeding

Infant Development for Better Breastfeeding Learning Objectives: 

• Discuss the importance of infant reflexes as the foundation for the first latch
• Identify 3 reasons the first latch is a developmental milestone
• Justify the benefits of crawling as a developmental milestone 
• Recognize 2 areas to screen for fine motor skills in the first 6 months  of life
• Identify 2 areas to screen for gross motor skills in the first 6 months of life
• Recognize 2 areas to screen for cognitive motor milestones at every stage in the first 6 months of life
• Identify an appropriate standardized outcome measure to use for an infant born full term as a screening tool for motor delay 
• Explain why it is important to avoid the use of certain infant equipment in the first 6 months of life

Dr. Emily Spaeth grew up in Oakland, California where she started her career in the world of babies working in a nursery at the age of 12.  Emily studied sociology and music in undergrad at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Her thesis examined yoga as a ‘third place’ and it seemed only natural to pursue a career as a yoga teacher (RPYT). After training with Prajna Yoga in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she returned to the pacific northwest to attend East West College of the Healing Arts for massage therapy school. Ever-inspired, she had to learn more. 

After opening her first business in 2012, which blended yoga and bodywork, she started the journey of taking prerequisites for a doctoral program in physical therapy. Emily graduated from Samuel Merritt University in her hometown with a degree as a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), and specialized as a Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT) in a level IV NICU, where she has created training for healthcare professionals in the hospital system in providing age-appropriate, trauma-informed neuro-developmental care. She brings years of experience as a licensed massage therapist (LMT) to her physical therapy practice and is a certified neonatal touch and massage therapist (NTMTC), and Advanced Certified Infant Massage Teacher (CIMT II). She has continued her studies in pelvic floor physical therapy studying Holistic Pelvic Care™ and Pelvic Floor Yoga™.  

She finally found her calling when she started blending lactation support with physical therapy, yoga, and bodywork, in her business Be Well Baby PDX and is now an IBCLC. Her business helps to support families pre-conception through postpartum. 

She loves to empower caregivers, and as a Certified Trauma Informed Professional (TIP), she weaves her passion for trauma informed care throughout all interactions with her small patients and their families, especially in the context of breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Finally, Emily enjoys hiking, baking, and snuggling with her own kids. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this infant developement course intended for?

• Occupational therapy practitioners (OT and COTA)
• Physical therapy practitioners (PT and PTA)
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
• Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Other providers that may benefit from this material would be MD/DO, NP/PA, or DC 

Are there prerequisites for this course?

There are no required prerequisities. 

Can I count this course towards my 90 hours of lactation-specific education?

Absolutely! This course is approved for 6.5 L-CERPs.

To receive credit for completion, the course must be completed with 100% watch time and each participant will need to complete a post-assessment with a passing score of at least 80% to ensure all learning objectives are met.

Information about AOTA CEUs

This course is approved for 0.85 AOTA CEUs for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Participants will be required to:

• Complete the course in its entirety (100% of the course watched)
• Complete a multiple-choice post-assessment with a passing score of at least 80% (untimed test)

Information about ASHA CEUs

This course is available for 0.85 ASHA CEUs for speech-language pathologists. To receive ASHA CEUs, participants will be required to:

•  Ensure you are eligible to receive ASHA CEUs! Click here for more information
• Complete the course in its entirety (watch time is tracked by the learning management system) 
• Complete the multiple-choice post-assessment with a passing score of at least 80% (untimed test, 3 retakes)
• There is no option for partial credit

Information about CEUs for Physical Therapists

You will need to check with your individual state for online course requirements. To best prepare you can save the following:

• The certificate of completion that will be provided
• List of references
• A copy of the assessment questions

How long will I have access to this infant development course?

6 months from the purchase date. If purchased on pre-order, 6 months from the first day you have access to the course.

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

Refunds must be requested within 14 days of purchase by emailing [email protected]. A full refund is available if no modules have been started. A partial refund is available once ANY portion of the course has been viewed. The amount refunded is at the sole discretion of The Lactation OT LLC. There is no refund available after 14 days of purchase OR if the one module limit has been met. Recipients will receive acknowledgment of refund requests within 3 business days. If the request is valid per the terms listed above, the refund will be processed within 7 business days. If for any reason the course is canceled by The Lactation OT before the course is started, a full refund will be provided. 

How do I request special accommodation?

Please send us an email at [email protected] at least 14 days before starting the course with further details of your request.

Looking for more information? Have a comment or complaint? Send an email to [email protected]. View complaint policy here.