Presenter: Sara West, MSHS-PH

Cherokee + Choctaw

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

12:00-1:15 pm ET

In her time of intense grief, it was the power of providing her son’s milk medicine to others that allowed Sara to process and heal, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Join this session to learn about how reproductive loss and grief affects our role in our own healing; learn best care practices; Understand how traditional cultural practices and milk medicine reestablish balance within our own mind, body, and spirit.

Presenter: Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk, IMMC Founding Director, Birthworker, Indigi-LC

Seminole + Pawnee + Mvskoke Creek + Omaha + Iowa

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

1:15-1:35 pm ET

Meet Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk, IMMC founding Director and this year’s artist. Hear about Jasha’s inspiration for their artwork and all that went into this year’s design.

Presenter: Dr. Amy Stiff Arm, MPH, Ph.D

Aaniiih (Whiteclay) + Chippewa-Cree + Blackfeet

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

1:35 -2:50 pm ET

This session will inform the audience on how to provide culturally safe care to Indigenous patients and clients during the perinatal period in an effort to reduce perinatal mental health inequities. Due to systematic education issues that fail to properly acknowledge non-Eurocentric worldviews, many people lack foundational knowledge about Indigenous populations. This presentation will provide information on crucial historical and cultural contexts in relation to the tenets of cultural safety.

Presenter: Elizabeth Montez, Indigi-LC, IBCLC

Little Traverse Bay Band Odawa

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024

12:00 - 1:15 pm ET

As Indigenous people, we understand the reflections of the natural world in the mysteries and wisdoms of our bodies. One current lactation clinical practice has been emerging over the years that has alarming parallels across the lands of Turtle Island: prenatal colostrum collection strategies that focus on our bodies as extractive resources without consideration for the harmony of the birthing/lactating ecosystem in the same way fracking and pipelines do to our lands. We will take time to explore the clinical research that has led us to this point and juxtapose with case studies and traditional stories in order to support pregnant relatives as they step into a relationship with their milk-making in a good way - harmonious and flourishing.

Presenter: Cassandra Strouder

Seminole + Diné

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024

1:15 - 1:35 pm ET

Join us during our break for a dynamic wellness session with Cassandra Strouder.

Presenter: Camie Jae Goldhammer, MSW, LICSW, IBCLC

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyaté

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024

1:35-2:50 pm ET

This session delves into the often misunderstood realm of perinatal mood disorders affecting partners and non-gestational parents. While much focus is placed on the mental health of birthing parents, their partners are also at risk of experiencing significant emotional and psychological challenges during the perinatal period. We will explore the prevalence, symptoms, and impact of perinatal mood disorders in partners, including anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. Camie will facilitate a panel of Indigenous parents who will share their lived experiences and insights. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of this critical aspect of perinatal mental health, ensuring a holistic approach to family wellness.

Presenter: Pearl Walker-Swaney, MPH, Full spectrum doula, Indigi-LC, Yoga Instructor

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe + White Earth Nation

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024

10:00-10:45 am ET

Join us on August 10 at 10 AM ET for Caregiver and Baby Yoga with Pearl Walker-Swaney, a dedicated Full Spectrum Doula, Lactation Counselor, and Yoga Instructor from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and White Earth Nation. Pearl blends her expertise in birth work and yoga with a commitment to cultural values and community wellness. Experience the joy of connecting with your baby while nurturing your well-being. Let's come together to support families and strengthen our community!

Hosted By: Camie Jae Goldhammer & Kimberly Moore-Salas

IBCLCs, ILC Co-Creators/Owners, Program & Education Committee, Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024

7:00-8:00 pm ET

Streamed virtually via FB LIVE on the “Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective” page and via Zoom

Tune in to celebrate this year’s honorees.

Presenters:

Camie Jae Goldhammer-Sisseton Wahpeton Oyaté

Kimberly Moore-Salas- Diné/Navajo

IBCLCs, ILC Co-Creators/Owners, Program & Education Committee, Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11, 2024

3:00-4:00 pm ET

Streamed virtually via FB LIVE on the “Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective” page and on Zoom

Informative Q & A session with International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants.

Presenter: Ashley Renee Sayers, Indigi-LC, Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula, IBCLC

Leech Lake Ojibwe

MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024

12:00-1:15 pm ET

Explore the profound connection between mind, body, and milk medicine within Native American communities. As an Indigenous lactation consultant and founder of the Native Breastfeeding Coalition of California, I explore breast/chestfeeding's crucial role in healing trauma and fostering resilience. From colonization to contemporary challenges, we examine trauma's impact. Drawing upon cultural strengths, we illuminate pathways to healing, emphasizing neurobiological and psychological benefits. Additionally, we discuss strategies for resilience and empowerment, including support networks and equitable access to lactation support.

Presenter: Victoria Marie Johnson, Wellness Practitioner/ Owner, Indigenous Lotus

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate + Santee

MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024

1:15-1:35 pm ET

Join Indigenous Lotus owner and Indigenous Lactation Counselor, Victoria Victoria Marie Johnson (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyaté), for a short movement session during our break.

Presenter: Kamalei (KK) Brandon, MiT, Indigi-LC

Kānaka Maoli

MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024

1:35-2:50 pm ET

Many Indigenous practices inherently keep us in the present, from connecting to the ‘āina to smudging after a hard conversation. Now, science and the health professions have finally caught up /realized the benefits of mindfulness. In this session, we will work toward understanding the reclamation of our Indigenous Mindfulness and explore different Indigenous Mindfulness practices to select ones to put in our own Indigenous Mindfulness ʻUmeke/Toolkit to support ourselves and our Indigenous relatives.

Presenters: Camie Jae Goldhammer-Sisseton Wahpeton Oyaté
Kimberly Moore-Salas- Diné/Navajo

IBCLCs, ILC Co-Creators/Owners, Program & Education Committee, Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024

12:00-1:15 pm ET

This session explores the intricate relationship between lactation and libido, focusing on the hormonal changes that influence sexual desire during the postpartum period. Chestfeeding can impact a parent's libido due to hormonal fluctuations, physical changes, and emotional factors. We will look at the science behind these changes and address common concerns/misconceptions, offering advice for managing changes in libido/maintaining intimacy during lactation.

Presenter: Meg Forcia, Yoga Instructor

Bad River Band of Ojibwe

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024

1:15-1:35 pm ET

Join Meg Forcia for a short movement session during our break.

Presenter: Winona Carufel, Doula and Indigi-LC

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024

1:35-2:50 pm ET

Learn how to further support Neurodivergent relatives through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum from an Indigenous Autistic Doula perspective. This session focuses on enhancing support for neurodivergent relatives and ensuring that their unique needs are met during the perinatal period. Neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, and other neurological variations, may experience childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting differently. We will explore effective communication strategies, sensory-friendly environments, and personalized support plans to create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.

Presenter: Amber Balan, BN, MDP, TAED, Indigenous Doula

Citizen of the Red River Metis Nation of Manitoba

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024

12:00-1:15 pm ET

Join this session as it delves into the experiences of Métis and First Nations parents in urban areas of western and central Canada. It includes perspectives from care providers and Elders, emphasizing how Indigenous knowledge supports community leadership and health initiatives. By extending the Manitoba Indigenous Doula Project to urban settings, the First Foods project shows how breast/chestfeeding can enhance food sovereignty.

Presenter: Mariah Holiday, Full Spectrum Birth Keeper, Traditional Hide Tanner & Sheep Herder, Data Warrior & Advisor

Diné

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024

1:15-1:35 pm ET

Join Mariah Holiday for a short movement session during our break.

Presenter: Angie Sanchez, Indigi-LC, IFSD

Grand Traverse Band Odawa & Ojibwe

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024

1:35-2:50 pm ET

Explore the benefits of breast/chestfeeding and its contribution to self-love. Chestfeeding is a vital source of nutrition for infants and offers psychological benefits for nursing parents. Angie, along with a panel of nursing parents, will discuss how the breast/chestfeeding experience provides protections to mental health, foster body positivity, helping parents appreciate their bodies' capabilities and develop a deep sense of self-love.

Join us as we celebrate Indigenous Milk Medicine Week with your participation in the annual virtual 5k. Grab your friends, family or coworkers and make an intentional effort to run/ walk or move at your own pace to complete the distance of 3.2 miles (5K).

Capture the moment and share your experience! Take a photo with family and friends during your participation to commemorate the event and tag us on Instagram and Facebook so we can celebrate together. Use any of these hashtags:

#MindBodyMilkMedicine5K #IndigenousMilkMedicineWeek5K #MindBodyMilkMedicine #IMMW2024 #IndigyMilkHeals

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