Best Start Northern Conference 2010

Web Coverage of Pre-Conference/ Day 1 Monday, October 18, 2010 – Pre-Conference
PC1 - First Nation Perspective on Child Development
Jaynane Burning-Fields	This session provided an overview of First Nation perspectives on child development. It shared information about developmental targets and how parents support reaching these targets. The session helped service providers to develop their skills for working with First Nation families that have young children and to understand their perspectives on nurturing the development of children.
This workshop was delivered by video-teleconference and can be viewed at the following links: http://media.knet.ca/node/10809 (Morning session) http://media.knet.ca/node/10810 (Afternoon session)
PC2 – Breastfeeding Update & BFI New Indicators
Hiltrud Dawson Presentation in PDF	The morning session explored the latest evidence and practice around breastmilk production, latching, hand expression, breastfeeding gadgets, supplementary and complementary feeding. How language and marketing strategies can impact breastfeeding was also discussed. The afternoon session explored what’s new in the Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) in Canada, Ontario and Northern communities. It included challenges encountered and strategies that promoted the BFI process in Northern community health services and hospitals.
Atelier: Activité physique et petite enfance
Louise Choquette Presentation in PDF	Toutes les personnes travaillant dans le domaine de la petite enfance savent qu’il est important d’offrir aux enfants des opportunités pour faire de l’activité physique. Cet atelier as demontré des façons agréables de le faire, en mettant l’emphase sur l’importance d’être un bon modèle pour les enfants. Vous avez eu aussi l’occasion de prendre connaissance des ressources offertes par le Centre de ressources Meilleur départ.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 – Conference day
A2 – Methadone, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Answers to common questions
Dr. Jeff Daiter Presentation in PDF	Questions continue to surface regarding the safety of prescribing methadone during pregnancy as well as that of breastfeeding while on methadone. The presentation outlined the current research in this area and in doing so, seeked to answer any concerns in respect to the use of methadone in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
A3 – Through the Eyes of a Child: First Nation Children’s Environmental Health
Lynda Banning & Lyne Soramaki Presentation in PDF	Through the use of discussion, video and interactive activity participants gained an understanding of environmental issues affecting Ontario First Nation children living on and off Reserve. It is important to understand how life circumstances and cultural practices of First Nation people may put them at increased risk for exposure to environmental hazards. Areas of significant concern identified in the First Nation Children’s Environmental Health Manual was discussed. Methods to address these environmental health concerns in a culturally sensitive and strength based manner were incorporated throughout the session.
This workshop was delivered by video-teleconference and can be viewed at the following link: http://media.knet.ca/node/10807
B1 – Supporting Change: Women, Alcohol and Pregnancy
Karen O’Gorman Presentation in PDF	This session explored Best Practice information and effective strategies in engaging women who are using alcohol and, or other drugs during pregnancy. Participants had an opportunity to explore how they could influence the process in a positive way. Utilizing both the stages of change theory and a gender perspective they explored and practiced a variety of strategies for engaging women and providing effective support.
B2 – Food Insecurity – impacts on pregnancy, breastfeeding and children 0-6 years
Kim McGibbon Presentation in PDF	This interactive workshop explored the impact of food insecurity on pregnant women and their young families. We discussed strategies that families presently use and what we as service providers can assist them with to help ensure healthier foods are available to them. It concluded with a look at the programs and services offered in our region that we can refer families to, or how to start them ourselves. Programs such as gleaning, good food boxes and community gardens can have impacts beyond improving food security to include social inclusion and increased food skills.