Johanna Sargeant, BA, BEd, IBCLC

Biography:

Johanna Sargeant is a lactation consultant based in Zurich, Switzerland, where she lives with her husband, two boys and one fluffy dog. With extensive training in occupational therapy, biomedical science, psychology and education, she empowers parents with compassionate, personalized care through her private practice, Milk and Motherhood. In addition to working privately with clients, she has co-created and taught the new lactation education modules for the European School of Neonatology, has taught at the University of Zurich, has spoken as a panelist for the WHO’s Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative congress,and has been an expert speaker and facilitator for wide variety of international conferences. She co-hosts the podcast The Latch Revolution and is passionate about training postpartum professionals in oral rehabilitation and the intricacies of perinatal mental health. Johanna’s complex personal and professional experiences fuel her passion for providing knowledgeable, guilt-free infant feeding support globally.

Abstract: Supporting Informed Decision Making for Tongue-Tie in a Trauma Sensitive Manner

This presentation addresses the critical intersection of trauma awareness and clinical practice in the specific context of frenotomy discussions for new parents. Recognizing the implications of the high prevalence of trauma within our clientele group, we will explore how we can practically adjust consultations to deal with this reality, using three compelling case studies to illustrate best practices. The session aims to establish a framework for trauma-informed tongue-tie consultations, exploring possible scripts and immediately implementable strategies. We will examine the ways we can avoid the common triggering and paralyzing pitfalls when discussing frenotomy, illustrating how traditional methods might inadvertently exacerbate parental anxiety, leaving them incapable of moving forward with confidence.

Additionally, this session will explore the necessity for self-reflection of personal biases when discussing the existing evidence surrounding tongue tie, focusing on how to ethically communicate information while respecting parental autonomy.

Ultimately, participants will leave with practical tools and strategies that aim to empower vulnerable families, allowing them to engage in informed, ethical decision-making, while equipping them with the knowledge necessary to overcome decision paralysis.