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Simulations

Participants will engage in several different simulations involving Maternal and Child Health. These simulations are designed with specific learning objectives in mind to further the participant’s knowledge of various maladies and situational decision-making skills. The central themes of the simulations focus on events that occur before, during, and after childbirth. Scenarios may take place in the setting of a rural area overseas or in an outpatient clinic in the United States.

Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage
Princess Lock, RN, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
Michele Butts, MSN, RN, CCRN
Michele Parsons
Lisa McDowell
Christopher Ochinero, RN-BC, BSN, MS

Although rates have declined dramatically in developed countries, Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) still remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in underdeveloped countries. Lack of resources and experienced caregivers are contributors to these high rates of PPH in underdeveloped countries. Come engage in this high-fidelity PPH simulation to feel the pressure of dealing with this high-risk delivery and learn ways to manage PPH in a resource-poor area.

Assessing Nutrition in Children in the Developing World
Mark Weatherly, M.D.

Malnutrition is one of the major challenges in resource-poor countries. This has a profound effect on the growth and development of the infant, both prenatally and postnatally. It is a critical skill to be able to get an accurate and culturally sensitive nutritional history. Join us in this one-on-one interactive clinical encounter with standardized patients where you will learn how to take a culturally-sensitive nutritional history, and learn what cultural limitations there might be regarding nutrition and what options are available to support a safe and healthy baby.

Helping Babies Breathe
Jennifer Setlik, M.D.
Shiva Kalidindi, M.D.

The “Golden Minute” is the most important time of a newborn’s life. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly one million babies die each year due to birth asphyxia (inability to breath immediately after birth). In this hands-on simulation, you will learn about Helping Babies Breathe (HBB), an international initiative to train skilled birth attendants to supply respiratory support to newborns struggling to breathe in the first “golden minute” after birth. You will gain hands on experience with the NeoNatalie dolls used abroad to train midwives and skilled birthing attendants. Dr. Setlik and Dr. Kalidindi will share their experiences with HBB and the life-saving impact this simple program has on the lives of thousands of infants worldwide.

Reducing the Devastation of Female Genital Mutilation One Family at a Time
Judith Simms-Cendán, M.D.

Over 150 million women, primarily in several African nations, are affected by female genital mutilation (FGM). In many of these countries, there is enormous social pressure to conform to this controversial practice in order to properly prepare a girl for her adolescent years prior to marriage in hopes of preserving her virginity. Although some believe that there are cultural and religious rationales for FGM, many within these communities oppose the tradition and believe it is not a religious practice. Through the use of standardized patients, this workshop will portray different perspectives on FGM that arise even within the same community and discuss how to balance respect for cultural practices while advocating for women’s rights.

 

Workshops

You have the opportunity to experience 6 fantastic workshops that each address a different perspective in the multifaceted issue of maternal and fetal health. Hear from professionals with a diversity of backgrounds in maternal and fetal services to enrich your understanding of the past, present, and future of maternal and fetal health.

A New Paradigm for Handling Maternal and Infant Mortality in Low Resource Countries and Beyond
Lorna Owens, RN, JD , Founder—Footprints Foundation

Around the world, one woman dies every 90 seconds in pregnancy or childbirth, and the vast majority of these deaths are preventable. Giving birth is especially risky in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa where most women deliver without skilled care. Through a variety of interactive, team-based case studies, you will learn to develop culturally-sensitive methods to help prevent maternal and infant mortality. Ms. Owens will discuss the tremendous impact that the Footprints Foundation has made in improving the health of mothers and infants.

Providing Safe Abortion to Women in Resource-Poor Communities
Lori Boardman, M.D.

In many countries around the world, access to safe, affordable abortion services are extremely limited. Pregnant women seeking a termination face tremendous cultural, religious, and societal pressures and barriers that prevent them from obtaining quality care. Dr. Boardman is a lifelong, strong proponent of reproductive rights for women and will address provisions of abortion services in developing countries.

Saving Lives through Skilled Midwifery
Deanna Gordon, DEM

Childbirth can become a medical emergency without appropriate medical care. In many developing countries, access to hospitals is limited so midwives and skilled birthing attendants provide the majority of birthing care. This workshop will include a discussion of the role of different health care providers and the challenges they face delivering babies in resource-poor areas. Ms. Gordon, a midwife in the United States, will share her experience working with women and teaching childbirth education throughout the Dominican Republic and Liberia.

Understanding Political and Institutional Barriers to Reproductive Health for Women
Simon Ho, MS-2
Vanessa Nascimento

What problems do women around the world face in regards to pregnancy and birth? This interactive workshop will first examine how law and medical structure around the world effects birthing, and then explore what goes into developing a maternal health care facility in a resource-poor area: how do you evaluate the unique needs of a community to provide the most culturally sensitive and effective health care? In this workshop, Ms. Nascimento will share her first hand experience working with Project Baby Benefit in a maternal hospital in Brazil and how the organization is able to provide much needed baby blankets and hats, hygiene products, towels, and wheelchairs to make a difference in this community.

Peer Milk Sharing: An Ancient and New Way to Improve the Nutrition of Infants Globally
Shannon Carter, Ph.D.
Beatriz Reyes-Foster, Ph.D.

A recent publication in Pediatrics revealing high prevalence of bacteria in breast milk sold online generated a slew of U.S. media reports about the dangers of peer breast milk sharing, impacting subsequent medical research and social policy. The article assumes that peer milk sharing is inherently risky although the actual practices have not been empirically verified. Dr. Carter’s and Dr. Reyes-Foster’s current studies identify how breast milk sharing is portrayed in U.S. newspapers to assess the broader messages about milk sharing portrayed to the general public. The practice of peer milk sharing will be discussed considering both domestic and international perspectives.

 

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