Aug. 14 Breastfeeding Conference to feature two national experts

Registration is now open for the Breastfeeding: Baby’s Natural Choice Conference, which will be held on Aug. 14 at the La Vista Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway (off Interstate 80, Giles Road exit – exit 442). 

Keynote speakers include Christina Smillie, M.D., and Diana West, both nationally prominent spokeswomen on the subject of breastfeeding and international board certified lactation consultants.

“The data regarding the advantages of breastfeeding are unambiguous,” said Carl Smith, M.D., chair of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Breast milk is truly the perfect food for newborns. The Olson Center for Women’s Health is proud to sponsor this important conference for health professionals. The speakers are superb and nationally known for their work in breastfeeding.”

Physicians, nurses, lactation consultants, registered dietitians, residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, breastfeeding advocates, social workers and students are invited to the one-day conference, which will be held from 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

More than 400 participants are expected to attend the conference.

Dr. Smillie will present her expert approach and understanding of baby-led breastfeeding and how arbitrary breastfeeding “rules” and expectations can interfere with what the baby already knows.

“Omaha and the Midwest are fortunate to have this conference,” said Laura Wilwerding, M.D., Nebraska Breastfeeding Coalition leader and Omaha pediatrician

Now in its 10th year, the biannual conference offers a variety of continuing education credits for health care professionals.

The conference is sponsored by the Olson Center for Women's Health and the University of Nebraska Medical Center in cooperation with the UNMC College of Nursing and the UNMC Center for Continuing Education. The conference corporate sponsor is UNMC Physicians.

The conference is still accepting exhibitors. Interested organizations should call 402-559-6345 for more information.

Registration for the conference is open until Aug. 8. To register, visit http://www.unmc.edu/cce/ or call 402-559-5929

 Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.