Breastfeeding Infants with Cardio-Respiratory Disorders

Presenter: Catherine Watson Genna – 1.5hr

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect. Cardiac and respiratory inefficiency complicate feeding for a significant minority of infants. Breastfeeding is generally easier for these infants than other feeding methods, especially if modifications are made to accommodate their reduced stamina and ability to manage flow. This e-learning module reviews the most common cardiac and respiratory issues in newborns and infants, along with research-based strategies to preserve breastfeeding and educate parents about their baby’s special feeding needs.

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Describe how tachypnoea increases the risk of aspiration
• List 4 signs of increased respiratory effort in infants
• Outline breastfeeding interventions for infants with congenital heart disease, laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, velopharyngeal insufficiency and vocal cord paralysis

A 75 minute video presentation followed by a short multiple-choice quiz.
You will have 30 days and 3 attempts to complete this module from date of registration.

IBCLE Content outline:

• I Development and Nutrition
• II Physiology and Endocrinology
• III Pathology
• IV Pharmacology and Toxicology
• VI Techniques
• VII Clinical Skills