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Description
Over the course of 14 weeks, I developed clinical skills related to infant feeding, including—but not limited to—anatomy, conditions that interfere with feeding, maternal health concerns, and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach. I gained insight into each discipline's unique role by job shadowing at various lactation clinics. I observed PTs, SLPs, RNs, craniosacral therapists, and interviewed a nutritionist. Many of the centers I visited expressed a desire to one day incorporate an OT into their practice, which was encouraging.
With this knowledge, I created an informational binder to leave at the Kentucky Breastfeeding Center (KBC) for future OT students. During my capstone research, I discovered that 70% of women face breastfeeding challenges—and from what I observed, many also struggle with bottle feeding. While outpatient lactation centers offer services to address these issues, wage disparities can prevent women from accessing them. Affordable options do exist, but many women are unaware of these resources.
My goal became to create an accessible, educational tool to help all mothers flourish in their feeding journeys. I began researching services available through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and Medicaid-accepting clinics such as UK’s Mommy & Me Clinic. This experience opened my eyes to the potential for OT to enter public health spaces like WIC. While these programs are helpful, they aren’t always high-quality. I believe OTs can help close this gap.
That’s why I created an educational video highlighting Lexington-area lactation centers, with plans to share it across public health platforms for community-wide access.
Graduation Date
8-8-2025
Keywords
LACTATION CONSULTING, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, CLINICAL SKILLS, ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES, EDUCATION, MEDICAID, INFANT FEEDING
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Document Type
Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Site Mentor
Abbey Fields
Comments
Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/fchWkmM5Ug4?si=wQIDkg2Edn7x_1P_