Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding

Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding Learning Objectives: 

• Examine differences between normal and abnormal anatomy typically seen in birthing bodies
• Identify benefit and contraindications of hands-on modalities for birthing bodies based on the available literature
• Identify basic and advanced massage strokes applicable to clients based on findings of assessment
• List 5 hands-on modalities to address musculoskeletal symptoms resulting from breastfeeding/chestfeeding posture and positioning 
• Identify aspects of clear, concise treatment documentation that follows legal and ethical requirements
• Summarize trauma informed techniques used for clients that may have experience birth trauma

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 lactating parent bodywork course intended for?

• Occupational therapy practitioners (OT and COTA)
• Physical therapy practitioners (PT and PTA)
• IBCLC with RN or other full body scope of practice
• SLP with prior bodywork coursework
• Other providers that may benefit from this material would be those with a full-body scope of practice such as LMT, MD/DO, NP/PA, or DC 

Are there prerequisites for this course?

The appropriate license as stated above. If you have questions, please contact us before enrolling at [email protected]. 

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

Absolutely! This course is approved for 8.0 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 0.8 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 CEUs for Physical Therapists

This course is pending approval for 0.8 CEUs for physical therapists through California Physical Therapy Association

Information about ASHA CEUs

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

How long will I have access to this bodywork 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.

Bundle & Save Options

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