Speaker: Natalie Billings, RN, IBCLC
NATALIE IS AN AN RN AND LACTATION CONSULTANT (IBCLC). SHE HAS BEEN A NURSE SINCE 2010 AND A LACTATION CONSULTANT SINCE 2013. THE MAJORITY OF HER EXPERIENCE UNTIL RECENTLY HAS BEEN THROUGH THE LENS OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM WORKING IN LABOR AND DELIVERY, AS A LACTATION CONSULTANT, AND AS A OBGYN CLINIC NURSE. IN 2014 SHE WAS INVOLVED IN THE CARE OF AN INFANT THAT HAD FALLEN THROUGH THE CRACKS AT A SMALL LOCAL HOSPITAL AND DID NOT HAVE A GOOD OUTCOME. THIS EXPERIENCE LED HER TO CO-FOUND A PROGRAM CALLED NEST (NEWBORN EVALUATION SUPPORT AND TEACHING). IT STARTED WITH GRANT FUNDING AND INCLUDED PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING PREPARATION, IN HOSPITAL LACTATION SUPPORT, AND MOTHER/INFANT FOLLOW UP AT THE NEST PROGRAM AFTER DELIVERY. IT WAS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE HOSPITAL, THE COMMUNITY, AND THE LOCAL PEDIATRIC AND OBGYN CLINICS. THIS PROGRAM WENT ON TO WIN AN AWARD AT THE CALIFORNIA BREASTFEEDING COALITION FOR BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO LACTATION PROBLEMS.
IN 2015 SHE MOVED TO MAUI AND BEGAN WORKING FOR THE LACTATION DEPARTMENT WITH KAISER. SHE LEARNED SO MUCH DURING HER TIME WITH THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND GREW AS A PROFESSIONAL, BUT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS IT BECAME RELEVANT TO HER THAT THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM WAS NOT WHERE SHE BELONGED. SHE WANTED A WAY TO HELP FAMILIES ACHIEVE OPTIMAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS BEYOND WHAT SHE WAS ABLE TO OFFER WORKING IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. SHE DECIDED TO LEAVE HER JOB IN 2021 AND IT HAS BEEN THE BEST CAREER AND PERSONAL CHOICE SHE HAS MADE. SHE STARTED A PRIVATE PRACTICE CALLED MAUI BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT WHICH SHE OPERATES AS HER FULL TIME JOB AND IS ABLE TO SERVE THE FAMILIES OF MAUI (AND BEYOND!) SHE COMPLETED A LIFE AND CAREER CHANGING 9 MONTH MENTORSHIP WITH MICHALE CHATHAM IN 2020 THAT REALLY PUT A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE WAY SHE WAS HELPING MOMS AND BABIES. SHE WENT ON TO START AN E-COURSE WITH MICHALE AS WELL AS A CHIROPRACTOR NAMED MOLLY PERALTA. THIS COURSE IS CALLED MIDLINE REVOLUTION AND IS A HOLISTIC COURSE FOR PARENTS NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF ORAL RESTRICTIONS THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS THAN IS TRADITIONALLY SEEN IN THE ALLOPATHIC SYSTEM.
SHE CURRENTLY LIVES ON MAUI AND WHEN SHE IS NOT HELPING BABIES SHE LOVES TO SPEND TIME AT THE BEACH, HIKING, OR PRETTY MUCH DOING ANYTHING OUTSIDE. SHE RECENTLY GOT MARRIED AND HOPES TO HAVE HER OWN BABIES SOON.
Topic Overview: This presentation will review what it was like being a business owner and resident of an area where disaster struck via fire, and how breastfeeding was supported during this time.
The devastation of the Maui wildfires and how infant feeding support was addressed during the disaster
expectations vs reality of what happened
communication with those who were involved and needed support
Managing donations
Story about an affected family
Cultural points to consider during an emergency
Unique challenges/strengths of the community
Support received
Moving forward
How have the events from the past changed how you/the island prepare for a future disaster, should there ever be one?
By the end of the presentation the viewer will understand the importance of breastfeeding in any disaster or emergency, know how to best make themselves available for support where needed, be prepared with supplies for feeding in emergencies, and have a tools available to help create a response team in their area.