Carmela Kika Baeza, MD, IBCLC

Biography:

Carmela is a medical doctor and family physician. After the very unsuccessful breastfeeding experience with her first child, who had a congenital heart defect, she realized that her medical training had been completely lacking in the field of lactation. In 2003 she decided to become an IBCLC and specialize in breastfeeding medicine. Since then she works in a Family Wellness Clinic in Madrid (Spain), in charge of the Breastfeeding Department, offering consultations to nursing families. She is the author of several scientific articles about breast and nipple pain, as well as mastitis and mastalgia. She is also an active lecturer and speaker, both nationally and internationally, and is very involved in training Healthcare Professionals in breastfeeding support and management.

Abstract: An Ecosystemic Approach to the Clinical Management of Breast and Nipple Pain

Although pain is not a normal part of nursing, many mothers experience this difficulty at some point in their breastfeeding journey. It is one of the main reasons for breastfeeding consultations, and an important cause of early, undesired weaning, especially if the infant is not thriving. Assessment of pain during lactation differs significantly from other types because it is a system we must explore – not a single patient but the interaction between the mother and her infant (that is, the dyad). In this talk, an ecosystemic overview of the evaluation and management of breast and nipple pain is offered, based on current research and clinical practice. With appropriate support, the vast majority of dyads are able to breastfeed comfortably and effectively.