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The CLCWA meetings have been found to be valuable to IBCLCs who need CERPs for their ongoing professional development, those working towards becoming IBCLCs and to any health professional or voluntary breastfeeding counsellor who work with breastfeeding mothers.  The monthly education meetings are free to members and only $15 for non members. 

7.30pm – 8.30pm:  Education Meeting

Attendance certificates for CERPs will be issued via email after meetings. *Please note that due to new IBLCE guidelines, some presentations will be ineligible for CERPS.
Unforeseen circumstances may cause the program to change without notice.

Please check facebook for updates and links

CLCWA 2024 Education Program

  DateCERP/ Mode of delivery  Presentation title and speaker
Monday 26 February 2024 Bassendean Hotel: 6-9pmNo CERPs*   Social event   F2FResearch presentations commence 7.30pm (Students)   Breastfeeding twins Muja Guba BBiomedSc, Honours student   Barriers to physical activity in breastfeeding women Claudia Rich BBiomedSc, Honours student   First time fathers’ learning needs Richard Pascal BSc(Hons), MPsych(Counselling), PhD candidate  
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/1st-meeting-social-event-for-2024
Monday 18 March 2024No CERPS* ZoomUse of opioids after Caesarean birth: implications for breastfeeding families Gerrard Ferreira BPharm, Obstetric Pharmacist KEMH  
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/zoom-monday-18-march-2024
Monday 15 April 20241 E F2F*Ethics topic Marketing of infant formula Tanya van Aswegen APD, MPH
Bassendean Hotel The swan room
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/monday-15-april-2024-marketing-of-infant-formula  
Monday 20 May 20241 L ZFormula supplementation after CS birth Lauren Papalia RN, RM, IBCLC, MMid
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/zoom-monday-20-may-2024-formula-supplementation-after-cs-birth 
Monday 27 May 20241 L F2FBreastfeeding risk assessment tool in pregnancy Stephanie Emmons RM, IBCLC
For Bookings   
https://events.humanitix.com/monday-27-may-2024-breastfeeding-risk-assessment-tool-in-pregnancy
Monday 17 June 20241 E ZBreast hypoplasia and insufficient milk production – what we know and what we still need to find out Renee Kam BSc(Physiotherapy), IBCLC, PhD candidate
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/zoom-monday-17-june-2024-breast-hypoplasia-and-insufficient-milk-production-what-we-know-and-what-we-still-need-to-find-out
Monday 15 July20241 L ZFathers’ needs in the perinatal period Richard Pascal BSc(Hons), MPsych(Counselling)  
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/zoom-monday-15-july-2024-fathers-needs-in-the-perinatal-period
Monday 5 August 20241 E F2F(World Breastfeeding Week) Supporting breastfeeding women to heal birth trauma Katie Carter, Perinatal Social Worker  
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/monday-5-august-2024-supporting-breastfeeding-women-to-heal-birth-trauma
Monday 19 August 20241 L ZInfant musculoskeletal conditions that can impact breastfeeding John Klauz BSc(Physiotherapy), MSc (Paediatric Physiotherapist)
For Bookings      
https://events.humanitix.com/monday-19-august-2024-infant-musculoskeletal-conditions-that-can-impact-breastfeeding                                
Monday 16 September 20241 L F2FPerinatal mental health presentations in breastfeeding mothers Sharon Cooke RN, RM, MPerinat MentalHlth  
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/monday-16-september-2024-perinatal-mental-health-presentations-in-breastfeeding-mothers
Monday 21 October 20241 L ZHerbs and supplements in lactation Tamara Lebedevs, (Senior obstetric pharmacist, KEMH)  
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/monday-21-october-2024-herbs-and-supplements-in-lactation
Monday 18 November 20241 L F2FAGM Food allergies in infants and breastfed babies   Prof Debbie Palmer and Sophie Hughes BBiomedSci(Hons), PhD candidate  
For Bookings
https://events.humanitix.com/monday-18-november-2024-agm-and-food-allergies-in-infants-and-breastfed-babies
  • F2F = face to face meeting – check website/ Facebook page for venue details
  • Z = zoom meeting – enjoy from the comfort of your lounge
  • Venue for F2F:   Bassendean Hotel; meet from 6.15pm for dinner prior , presentation  time: 19:30-20:30
  • All must register via Humanitix in order to obtain certificate
  • *CERPS unavailable due to timing of CERPS application; these speakers have no conflicts to declare

Further information

 Session overview and speaker biography  
Monday 26 February 2024   Social event, no CERPsFirst time fathers’ learning needs:  What do men need in the transition to parenthood? A formative evaluation of an online perinatal education and peer-support program.   Richard Pascal is a Counselling Psychologist in Perth who now works solely on his PhD research and as a casual academic at Curtin University. He is also a father of two. His journey here started almost fifteen years ago as a psychology trainee in the child protection and juvenile justice sectors, where he observed that many fathers were absent in their children’s lives and were also often disengaged from services. He has worked clinically with children and their parents across contexts and most recently in a private practice setting. During some of that time, he also co-facilitated antenatal information sessions for first-time parents. Since becoming a father, he also experienced the joys and challenges of the fathering journey, especially in the first 12 months. His personal and professional experiences have influenced his work with children, their parents and broader systems, and were the basis for his increasing interest in men’s transition and adjustment to parenting. He has a particular research interest in the evaluation and successful implementation of perinatal and other parenting programs.  His PhD project is aimed at exploring whether there is a need for a perinatal program for first-time fathers that is delivered online and incorporates peer support as a key intervention.     Breastfeeding twins Breastfeeding dynamics and lactation experiences following the birth of twins or multiple infants: a qualitative study.   Maju Guba is an honour student and a recent pharmacology graduate. Their degree focused on Women’s Health units and the realisation that there was a constant lack of research focus in this area. This led them to embark on a novel study exploring the distinct breastfeeding experiences of mothers with multiple infants, specifically twins.   Barriers to physical activity in breastfeeding women Claudia Rich
Monday 18 March 2024 1 L   Zawaiting info from Gerrard Ferreira
Monday 15 April 2024    1 E   F2FMarketing of infant formula and the role of the Health Care Worker   The inappropriate marketing of commercial milk formula has shaped our societal and professional norms, values and beliefs around infant and young child feeding. Formula milk marketing, not the product itself, disrupts informed decision making through the deliberate misuse and distortion of scientific information to exploit parental emotions and aspirations. This presentation will look at the latest evidence supporting the importance of The Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes globally, compare The Code to the “Marketing in Australia of Infant Formulas” (MAIF) agreement and discuss the challenges faced in the digital age. It will also explore individual conflict of interest and the role of health care workers in navigating the increasingly pervasive formula milk marketing landscape. Tanya van Aswegen is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with over 15 years of extensive experience in clinical and public health nutrition across diverse cultural landscapes, including the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.  Tanya has also worked on a policy and advocacy level with esteemed organisations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organisation to improve nutrition and health outcomes for women and children at a country level.   She holds a BSc Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master of Public Health degree and is currently working in private practice focussing on optimising early life nutrition and specifically supporting breastfed infants with food intolerances and allergies.
Monday  20 May 2024 Z   1 L CERPFormula supplementation after caesarean-section birth   Caesarean section birth in Australia accounts for 38% of all births and is known to negatively impact breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. Our study compared breastfeeding outcomes between women who birthed by elective caesarean and non elective caesarean. 851 Australian women were surveyed and asked about their feeding methods following birth. The findings revealed a discrepancy in formula supplementation during the in patient hospital stay following birth between groups of women, and highlighted the need for further breastfeeding support and education.   Lauren Papalia is a midwife educator at Women and Newborn Health service, responsible for staff breastfeeding education. Lauren is and IBCLC, registered midwife and child health nurse, having worked clinically with infants and mothers over 15 years. Most recently Lauren completed her Masters degree examining breastfeeding outcomes between women who birth by elective and non elective caesarean section, with the hope to highlight the need for additional care and support for women who birth by caesarean section when establishing lactation.  
Monday 27 May 2024 F2F   1 L CERPBreastfeeding risk assessment tool used during pregnancy   The use of a breastfeeding risk assessment tool has been implemented in a maternity service providing antenatal and postnatal care. The screening assessment tool is used at 28 weeks, with a secondary screening tool at 36 weeks. It helps identify possible risk factors for low supply, allowing those women a chance to have an appointment with a Lactation Consultant antenatally to develop a BF plan. I will be discussing some of the experiences of the assessment tool by the midwives and a few outcomes of our patients     Stephanie Emmons is Endorsed Midwife and IBCLC currently working as lead midwife at Western Obstetrics.  She started her nursing career at Royal Perth, before undertaking her midwifery studies, and have been working as a midwife for the last 7 years.  She is mum of two beautiful boys, 1 is nearly 4 years and the other has just turned 1.  
Monday 17 June 2024 Z   1 L CERPBreast hypoplasia and insufficient milk production – what we know and what we still need to find out   Breast hypoplasia is one reason for an inherent inability to make a full milk supply. This presentation will update delegates about what is known and what is still unknown about breast hypoplasia as a reason for low milk production and provide tips about supporting women with insufficient milk production.   Renee Kam obtained a bachelor of Physiotherapy in the year 2000 and worked in the areas of women’s health, musculoskeletal and paediatric physiotherapy. She became an IBCLC in 2012. She is now undertaking a PhD investigating breast hypoplasia as a reason for low breastmilk production. Renee’s supervisors for her PhD are Professor Lisa Amir and Dr Meabh Cullinane.    
Monday 15 July 2024 Z   1 L CERPFathers’ needs in the perinatal period   There is a growing need for new approaches to providing information and support to first-time fathers in Australia. According to recent research, first-time fathers want programs that are informative but also allow them to interact with other men about their experiences with fatherhood. However, men face significant barriers accessing in-person services during pregnancy and soon after the birth (e.g., programs are typically run during business hours only). Fathers can be more easily engaged directly on their mobile phones, although programs that also include peer interaction and support have not been adequately evaluated. In addition, engaging health professionals, particularly those in primary care settings (e.g., GPs, midwives, etc) to help refer first-time fathers to such programs has not been described in the literature. In this presentation, findings from a PhD project focused on assessing the need, feasibility and acceptability of a peer-facilitated, online, perinatal program for first-time fathers referred through primary care will be presented.   Richard Pascal is a Counselling Psychologist in Perth who now works solely on his PhD research and as a casual academic at Curtin University. He is also a father of two. His journey here started almost fifteen years ago as a psychology trainee in the child protection and juvenile justice sectors, where he observed that many fathers were absent in their children’s lives and were also often disengaged from services. He has worked clinically with children and their parents across contexts and most recently in a private practice setting. During some of that time, he also co-facilitated antenatal information sessions for first-time parents. Since becoming a father, he also experienced the joys and challenges of the fathering journey, especially in the first 12 months. His personal and professional experiences have influenced his work with children, their parents and broader systems, and were the basis for his increasing interest in men’s transition and adjustment to parenting. He has a particular research interest in the evaluation and successful implementation of perinatal and other parenting programs. His PhD project is aimed at exploring whether there is a need for a perinatal program for first-time fathers that is delivered online and incorporates peer support as a key intervention.  
Monday 5 August 2024 F2F   1 L CERP(World Breastfeeding Week)   Supporting breastfeeding women to heal birth trauma.   Birth trauma impacts women and their families immediately after birth and then into the years to come. Early, targeted and compassionate support is integral to healing these experiences. This session will focus on: – developing the therapeutic approach for trauma integration to occur; – understanding the vital ingredient of listening, validating and reflecting experiences back for breastfeeding women; – developing increased confidence to work with dads, birth supporters and other family members; – an overview of the City Birth Trauma Scale to understand some of the key signs to listen in for   Katie Carter is a lecturer in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at The University of Western Australia and has a private social work practice where she focuses on working with families in the perinatal period.  Most recently her research, practice and teaching has focused on the intersection of wellbeing, mental health, trauma integration, spirituality and human rights. Katie is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and specialise working with families in the peri and post-natal time. Katie has over 20 years of social work practice.  
Monday 19 August 2024 Z   1 L CERP Infant musculoskeletal conditions that can impact breastfeeding.   The session will look at infant musculoskeletal issues can potentially impact breastfeeding and can be resolved with appropriate management. This session will assist IBCLCs in identifying possible musculoskeletal issues in breastfed infants and gaining knowledge of their management. In this session John will review the presentation of musculoskeletal problems such as torticollis, altered tone and symmetry, the indications for co-management/referral and the safety and effectiveness of paediatric physiotherapy treatment for infants. Timely identification, referral, and resolution of musculoskeletal issues is one factor that can contribute to the resolution of breastfeeding difficulties.   John Klauz is an experienced private practice physiotherapist, with over 15 years’ experience in paediatrics. John has a Masters in Paediatric Physiotherapy from Monash University and completed the Australian Physiotherapy Association Level 1 and Level 2 Paediatric courses.  He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in neonatal problems, including positional and packaging disorders such as torticollis, plagiocephaly and foot deformities. He is also passionate about helping children and their families work on developmental delays, paediatric neurological conditions and fracture management.  
Monday 16 September 2024 F2F   1 L CERPPerinatal mental health presentations in breastfeeding mothers – The Dark Side of Breastfeeding.   The session will explore ways in promoting relational and psychological repair when distressing dynamics are stirred   Sharon Cooke trains and supervises a multidisciplinary team of perinatal infant mental health clinicians to deliver Mother-Baby Nurture (MBN) a therapeutic group for distressed mothers and vulnerable infants. She was the lead researcher in two preliminary studies evaluating the impact of MBN on the mother-infant dyad and has been instrumental in growing MBN, which is now offered in three rural and 10 metropolitan sites in Western Australia.  Sharon also works at SJOG Raphael Outreach Services, providing parent-infant therapy to families from pregnancy to four years. More recently Sharon was awarded the 2024 Creswick Fellowship to visit the UK and Finland to study perinatal group interventions in action.
Monday 21 October 2024 Z   1 L CERP  The use of herbs and supplements in lactation This presentation will address the use of herbs and supplements in lactation and how to determine the risk to infants of this exposure and considerations of possible adverse effects. It will also provide appropriate information sources to access and incorporate counselling strategies to utilise.    Tamara Lebedevs (BPharm) has extensive experience in women’s health as a senior clinical pharmacist at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth, Western Australia. Tamara has been pivotal in the expansion and promotion of the state-wide Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Information Service. She provides recommendations on the safety of medications whilst breastfeeding to the Therapeutic Guidelines and has contributed a number of research papers in this area.  The specialist practice of Women’s and Newborn Health is a major interest where her expertise, insight and innovation are combined to promote the clinical education and training of health professionals.
Monday 18 November 2024 F2F   1 L CERPAGM 2024
Breastfeeding and food allergies   Session 1:  Maternal prebiotics dietary supplementation during pregnancy and lactation and infant allergic disease outcomes – the results of the SYMBA trial.   Maternal ingestion of prebiotics during pregnancy and lactation may have immunomodulatory benefits for the developing infant immune system and provide a potential dietary strategy to reduce the risk of allergic diseases. The aim of the SYMBA trial was to determine whether maternal prebiotics dietary supplementation reduces the risk of allergic outcomes in infants. Pregnant women (n=652) were randomly allocated to consume prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides) or placebo (maltodextrin) powder from <21 weeks gestation until 6-months postnatal during lactation.  Eligible women had infants with a first-degree relative with a history of medically diagnosed allergic disease. The results of this double-blinded, randomised controlled trial will be presented.   Associate Professor Debbie Palmer is a qualified dietitian (BSc, BND) and mid-career researcher (PhD), who has conducted 12 randomised controlled trials investigating nutritional strategies for allergy prevention during pregnancy, lactation, and infancy. The goal of these trials has been to improve the evidence-based dietary recommendations to prevent allergies. These trials have been published in top-quartile ranking journals, including the British Medical Journal (DJ Palmer et al, 2012;344:e184), and the top ranking journal in the allergy field: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (3 trial publications: DJ Palmer et al, 2013;132(2):387-92; DJ Palmer et al, 2017;139(5):1600-7; and K Rueter, …… DJ Palmer (senior author), 2019;143:1012-20), and the evidence generated from these nutritional intervention trials has been translated into national and international allergy prevention guidelines.   Session 2:  Nut consumption during breastfeeding to prevent allergy.   Early introduction of peanuts into an infants solid food diet has been associated with a lower prevalence of peanut allergy. The BENEFIT pilot study indicated that for breastfeeding families, a maternal diet high in peanuts may prevent peanut allergy in infants. Peanut allergens secreted in breast milk likely aid oral peanut tolerance, which has been shown in animal models. The Nuts for Babies study will recruit 400 breastfeeding mothers who will either consume a high or low peanut and cashew diet. Sixty of these recruited mothers in the high-consumption group will have breast milk samples taken at different time points, which will then be analysed for allergen and immune complex concentrations, macro- and micro-nutrient composition and permeability measures.    Sophie Hughes completed her Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) in 2023 at UWA, where she studied the breast milk microbiome of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus. She commenced her PhD in 2024 and is supervised by A/Prof Debbie Palmer at Telethon Kids Institute.