OPC – Introduction to the Osteopathic Approach to the Nursing Dyad (Breastfeeding Medicine)

July 8, 2022 - July 12, 2022

This course is designed for physicians (MD and DO) who desire to utilize osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in their practice of breastfeeding medicine.

The first two days of the course will be an introduction or review of osteopathic philosophy and basics of OMT. Participants will be introduced to the osteopathic structural exam and a variety of different OMT modalities. The final three days of the course will teach an osteopathic approach to treating the breastfeeding dyad, including specific osteopathic techniques that can be utilized to strengthen the breastfeeding relationship. The approach for treating the mother will include techniques that can help with improving supply, resolving/preventing mastitis, and treating associated aches/pains of breastfeeding posture and positioning. These include DeQuervain’s, carpal tunnel, and neck/shoulder/upper thoracic pain. The infant portion of the course will focus on techniques to help with latch issues, as well as commonly linked other symptoms including torticollis, plagiocephaly, gastroesophageal reflux, and colic. In addition to learning specific techniques, the course will focus on teaching the osteopathic approach to evaluating and treating a patient so that participants are able to leave the course prepared to integrate this knowledge into their practice. This includes teaching the necessary skills to document, bill, and code for OMT as well.