Infant Factors in Breastfeeding Conditions
Date: September 30 and October 1, 2025
Location: Knox Presbyterian Church and Conference Venue, Ottawa Ontario
*Price
$775
*Includes all course materials, coffee and lunch
- small group with hands on opportunity
- function-centred approach
- evidence-based
About this Course
Breastfeeding is an infant's first motor milestone. As health professionals, we know the conditions we already treat can impact feeding success, but we may not have the specific knowledge to address feeding issues in our practice. A survey of Physiotherapists in New Zealand found that 95% almost always or always asked about feeding status or feeding difficulties when assessing torticollis. But in their objective assessments and treatments, none observed a feed or mentioned functional interventions for feeding.
Learning Objectives
In this course, participants will learn about the current research on breastfeeding and bottle feeding mechanics from a functional perspective. The musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological components of infant feeding will be thoroughly discussed and participants will explore feeding assessments and interventions for infants with specific medical conditions. On the final day, the concepts will come together in an opportunity to work in small groups with a parent-infant dyad.
*Hale, L. & Piggott, J. (2009), The physiotherapy management of infants with congenital muscular torticollis; a survey of current practice in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 37(3), 128.
Meet Our Speaker
Mercedes Eustergerling
BKin, MPT, MHM
Founder of Vida Health and Wellness in
Calgary
Mercedes previously worked as a women's health physiotherapist for 14 years and is the founder of Vida Health & Wellness in Calgary, Alberta. Her clinical experience spanned several practice settings, including amateur and high-performance sports, private practice and interdisciplinary care in family doctors clinics. She values evidence-based care and enjoys helping those with chronic and complex health needs. Mercedes has unique experience in physiotherapy for breastfeeding support and is passionate about bringing a function-centered approach to the lactation world, bringing lactation into the allied health practice. Mercedes is the author of a book chapter on the role of physiotherapy in breastfeeding support and teaches courses on infant feeding across North America.