The Fifth Annual NOMAS^® International Symposium in Orlando, Florida

The Only Four Day Advanced Level Conference that is "ALL ABOUT FEEDING" - October 27-30th, 2015

Click to download/print Symposium brochure

This year's Symposium at the Holiday Inn-Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, will include a day of evaluation, a day of treatment, and a 'Reflective Learning' experience where you will have the opportunity to diagnose the problems, identify the feeding issues, and plan the intervention strategies for a specific infant. This will truly be a unique learning experience, one in which you will be able to share and learn from your colleagues in the field. Presenters and team leaders will include experts from the fields of Neonatology, Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and NIDCAP Developmental Specialists. I look forward to seeing you at this unique and valuable learning experience!

Sincerely,

Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A., CCC-SLP
Founder/Director
NOMAS^® International

Endorsed by the NIDCAP Federation International, Inc.

This Year's Line-Up

Submit a Poster Presentation: Focus on Neonatal Feeding-share a project, study, clinical model, new idea, treatment technique, intervention strategy.

October 27: Join Dr. Nils Bergman in "Bringing the latest neuroscience to the infant in the NICU for better feeding outcomes".

October 28: Evaluation and Treatment Strategies for the Poor Feeder in the NICU: Learn about Developmental Care with gretchen Lawhon, PhD; the Early Feeding Scale (EFS) with Suzanne Thoyre, PhD; and the NOMAS^® (Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale) with Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A. CCC-SLP.

October 29: Develop Therapeutic Intervention and Treatment Strategies with Kristy Fuller, OTR; John Chappel, RPT; and Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A., CCC-SLP. Experience NOMAS Grand Rounds with a panel of professionals who will diagnose, formulate treatment plans, and discuss prognostic indicators for successful feeding.

October 30: Reflective Learning Experience with audience participation in problem solving: Medical (Peter Bingham, MD; Suzanne Thoyre, PhD, RN). Developmental (Linda Lowman, MEd; John Chappel, RPT) Therapeutic (Kristy Fuller, OTR; Dawn Jernigan, M.A., CCC-SLP).

For the afternoon: select: infant feeding management, videofluoroscopy, or NOMAS® Refresher course (for those who qualify).

GOLD SPONSOR

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Symposium Objectives

Identify and treat early feeding problems in infants with a variety of medical diagnoses.
Describe developmental care in the nursery and the way in which it influences oral feeding for the NICU infant.
Outline the characteristics of disorganized and dysfunctional sucking and the differences in therapeutic intervention and treatment strategies recommended based upon sucking pattern to insure successful feeding.
Describe ways in which developmental care can be implemented during VFSS (MBS) to facilitate successful swallowing and to prevent aspiration in the premature infant.
Explain the Early Feeding Skills (EFS) Checklist and its relevance to the NICU infant.

Click to See This Year's Faculty and Their Financial Disclosures

Nils Bergman, M.D., Visiting Guest Lecturer
Public Health Physician, Honorary Research Associate, Honorary Senior Lecturer
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Financial Disclosure: Dr. Bergman is the owner of NINO Academy for which he has intellectual property rights and a management position. As such he receives financial reimbursement in the form of speaking fees, royalty, and honoraria and receives an honorarium for his presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium. He will have relevant products available for purchase at the Symposium.
Non-financial Disclosure: No relationships to disclose.

Peter Bingham, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics
University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
Financial Disclosure: Dr. Bingham receives an honorarium for his presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium.
Non-Financial Disclosure: No relationships to disclose.

John Chappel, M.A., RPT, NIDCAP Certified Pediatric Physical Therapist
Meta-Physical Therapeutics, Easthampton, New York
Director, Synactive Pediatrics, URSA Educational Institute for Manual Therapy, Sacramento, California
Financial Disclosure: Mr. Chappel receives an honorarium for his presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium.
Non-Financial Disclosure: No relationships to disclose.

Kristy Fuller, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist/Feeding Specialist
Unity Point Health, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Financial Disclosure: Ms. Fuller receives an honorarium for her presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Ms. Fuller has training in the EFS, NOMAS, Prechtl's General Movement, Dr. Brown's, VIDA, Avent 2-flo health videos and may have a bias toward these.

Dawn Jernigan, M.A., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, NOMAS® Course Instructor
Lead NICU Therapist, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, Georgia
Financial Disclosure: Ms. Jernigan is a Licensed NOMAS Instructor and receives financial reimbursement for teaching NOMAS Certification Courses. She receives an honorarium for her presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium.
Non-Financial Disclosure: No relationships to disclose.

gretchen Lawhon, PhD, RN, CBC, FAAN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, NIDCAP Master Trainer
President, NIDCAP Federation International, West Coast NIDCAP and APIB Training Center
University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Financial Disclosure: Dr. Lawhon receives an honorarium for her presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Dr. Lawhon is President of the Board of Directors of the NIDCAP Federation International, a non-profit organization which influences her theoretical presentation.

Linda Lowman, M.Ed., NIDCAP Certified Developmental Specialist, NOMAS® Course Instructor
Alexander Center for Neonatology, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, Orlando, Florida
Financial Disclosure: Ms. Lowman has no financial relationships to disclose.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Ms. Lowman is a Licensed NOMAS Instructor, and a NIDCAP Certified Developmental Specialist.

Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A., CCC-SLP, Neonatal/Pediatric Feeding Specialist
Retired Clinical Instructor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine
Founder/Director, NOMAS® International, San Juan Bautista, California
Financial Disclosure: Ms. Marjorie Meyer Palmer receives financial compensation for teaching live courses on feeding, online continuing education courses in feeding offered at www.nomasinternational.org, teaching Certification Courses in the NOMAS, and non-exclusive Copyright License Renewal of NOMAS Certified Professionals. She is the sole distributor of the Fantastic Feeding Dropper. She receives an honorarium for her presentations at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium.
Non-Financial disclosure: Ms. Palmer is the Founder and Director of NOMAS International, a current member of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy, and the NIDCAP Federation International.

M. Kathleen Philbin, RN, PhD; Clinical Nurse Scientist, Educator, Trainer
Retired Adjunct Associate Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylavania
Financial Disclosure: Dr. Philbin receives an honorarium for her presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium. She receives royalties from a book that she has published that is related to this presentation and also receives consulting fees for work that is related. Her handbook may be available for purchase at the Symposium.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Dr. Philbin has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Suzanne M. Thoyre, PhD, RN, FAAN, Francis Hill Fox Distinguished Term Professor
School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Financial Disclosure: Dr. Thoyre receives financial reimbursement for her presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Dr. Thoyre has not relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

Thomas E. Young, M.D.
Medical Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Wake Med-Raleigh Campus Medical Center
Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Financial Disclosure: Dr. Young receives financial reimbursement for his presentation at the Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium.
Non-Financial Disclosure: No non-financial relationships to disclose.

How to Register For The Symposium

1) Browse the curriculum, below, and jot down the days and talks you would like to attend.
2) Register for the Symposium using the form, below.
3) Pay using the PayPal/credit/debit card form, or mail check along with the form found in the brochure.
4) Click the hotel logo, below, to reserve rooms at the Symposium discount (by September 20th!)

1. Browse The Symposium Curriculum (click a day to see/hide events)

Day 1 - PRE-CONFERENCE - Tuesday, October 27th

7:00 to 8:00 - Registration and coffee.

Bringing The Latest Neuroscience to The Infant in The NICU For Better Feeding Outcomes – Nils Bergman. M.D. Topics will include:

Basic neuroscience and the foundational role of sleep, biological clocks, and rhythms.
Role of skin-to-skin contact in sleep, rhythms, regulation and sucking behavior.
Effects of maternal neonate separation, early and late, and on suckling.
Recognizing separation physiology and restoring regulation.
Differentiating neonatal suckling behavior from adult ingestion, and timing of weaning.
Linking maternal neuroendocrine behavior to infant regulation and breastfeeding.
Practical aspects and implications to support feeding in the real world of the NICU.
Impact of early perinatal care on long term bonding and attachment.

Day 2 - EVALUATION - Wednesday, October 28th

Evaluation: Identifying the feeding problem and what is going wrong
7:00-8:00 a.m. Registration, Coffee, Exhibits, Poster Sessions.
8:00-8:15 a.m. Welcome – Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A., CCC-SLP
8:15-10:15	Developmental Assessment of the Infant: the Science of Compassion - gretchen Lawhon, PhD, RN, CBC, FAAN. Learn to: identify key components of the synactive theory of newborn development; strategies in the integration of developmental assessment through relationship based care; and ways in which developmental assessment of the infant provides incidental teaching and validation to parents.
10:15-10:45	BREAK
10:45-12:45	Early Feeding Skills (EFS) Checklist - Suzanne Thoyre, PhD, RN, FAAN Learn to: Identify infant adaptations to the challenge of feeding; describe infant responses that represent readiness for oral feeding; and explain the ability to organize swallowing, and maintain physiologic stability.
12:45-2:00	LUNCH
2:00-3:00	Diagnosis of Neonatal Sucking Patterns: normal, disorganized, dysfunctional based on the NOMAS® Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale) - Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A, CCC-SLP. Learn to: Identify infant adaptations to the challenge of feeding; describe infant responses that represent readiness for oral feeding; and explain the ability to organize swallowing, and maintain physiologic stability.
5:00	ADJOURN

Day 3 - TREATMENT - Thursday, October 29th

Treatment: Intervention Strategies to "Fix the Problem"
7:15-8:15 a.m. Coffee, Exhibits, Poster Sessions.
8:15-10:15	Developmental Interventions to Promote Successful Feeding – Kristy Fuller, OTR/L. Learn to: list supportive pre-feeding and feeding readiness strategies that provide a foundation for optimal oral feeding performance for all babies in the NICU; identify signs of stress and their impact on suck/swallow/breathe coordination; and discuss interventions that support safe and successful feeding interactions.
10:15-10:45	BREAK
10:45-12:45	Positioning the Infant for Optimal Feeding Success – John Chappel, M.A., RPT. Learn to: conceptualize diaphragmatic morphology as it pertains to developing better infant respiratory efficiency; identify methods to promote function in the respiratory system of ELBW infants through analyzing posture and positioning; and define specific problems that interfere with the acquisition of aerodigestive functions and feeding in the NICU infant.
12:45-2:00	LUNCH
2:00-3:00	Diagnostic-Based Intervention for Infants with a Disorganized or Dysfunctional Suck – Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A., CCC-SLP. Learn to: describe four intervention strategies to aid the coordination of respiration in the infant with a disorganized suck; outline four therapeutic techniques for the infant with a dysfunctional suck; and explain ways to help the infant who demonstrates a sensory feeding issue.
3:00 to 3:30	BREAK
3:30-5:00	NOMAS® GRAND ROUNDS: Videos of infant feeding viewed and evaluated followed by a discussion of intervention strategies presented by a multidisciplinary panel of professionals that includes: Neonatologist (Dr. Thomas Young), Pediatric Neurologist (Dr. Peter Bingham), Nurse (Dr. Suzanne Thoyre, PhD., RN, FAAN), Developmental Specialist (Ms. Linda Lowman, M.Ed), Physical Therapist (Mr. John Chappel, M.A., RPT), Occupational Therapist( Ms. Kristy Fuller, OTR/L), and Speech Pathologist (Ms. Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A., CCC-SLP) as Moderator.
5:00	ADJOURN

Day 4 - REFLECTIVE LEARNING - Friday, October 30th

Reflective Learning Experience
7:00-8:00 a.m. Coffee. (Also from 9:30 to 10:00).
8:00-11:30	Take part in small discussion groups and participate in the learning process while you view infant videos that help you to understand infant behavior, stress cues, distress signals, readiness to feed, events that contribute to successful or unsuccessful feeding performances, variations in sucking patterns, and the importance of respiration in feeding. Discuss with colleagues intervention strategies and therapeutic techniques that work, why, and when. Find out why that one infant in the NICU just can't seem to feed. Learn to problem solve those strategies, techniques, positions, nipples, environments that are most helpful and in which situations, and those that are not. Develop your diagnostic skills that will help you find your own way. This experience is designed to help you to become a more competent and successful clinician and not about using a particular technique. Each group will view the same infant video clips. Select the Reflective Learning Experience that best suits your needs.
A	Medical Perspective moderated by Dr. Peter Bingham and Dr. Suzanne Thoyre, PhD, RN, FAAN
B	Developmental Perspective moderated by Mr. John Chappel, M.A., RPT and Ms. Linda Lowman, M.Ed
C	Therapeutic Perspective moderated by Ms. Kristy Fuller, OT R/L and Ms. Dawn Jernigan, M.A., CCC-SLP
	*If you would like to videotape your baby in the NICU for this learning experience and sharing please contact: marjorie@nomasinternational.org

11:30 to 1:00	LUNCH
Concurrent Sessions (1:00 to 3:00)
A	It's Never Too Late: NOMAS® Refresher Course - Linda Lowman, M.Ed, NOMAS® Course Instructor. For those NOMAS® Certified Professionals who have let their licenses lapse OR if you are someone who has taken the NOMAS® Certification Course but did not achieve Reliability this is your opportunity to try again. There is no extra fee for this opportunity and, after completing Reliability you will have the benefit of group discussion as you view neonatal sucking patterns on video.
B	Feeding Preterm and Fragile Infants: Science, Myth, Misleading Research – Kathleen Philbin, PhD., RN. A review of the literature and research studies that describe how, when, and why to feed premature and sick term newborns in the NICU. Learn to evaluate whether an article about feeding is focused on quantity fed or quality of the experience; describe the problem of measuring feeding success by the postmenstrual age of "full bottle feedings", and explain the distinction between "ready to feed" as a developmental achievement and "ready to feed" as an event at a particular time.
C	It's About the Baby not the Protocol; a developmental approach to videofluoroscopy with premature infants – Marjorie Meyer Palmer, M.A., CCC-SLP Infants can breathe, they can swallow, and they can suck but often cannot coordinate all three. It is for this reason that neonates so frequently aspirate and perform poorly on VFSS. Learn techniques to maximize their potential for successful feeding without aspiration during swallow studies and methods that may be used to continue oral feeding both in the NICU and at home. Learn compensatory feeding strategies for those infants with anatomical defects and neurological issues.
3:00	ADJOURN

2. Symposium Registration Form

Amount you will send by CHECK (if not sending a check, please leave first box blank):

Your Name:

Your Profession:

Your Employer:

Employer City, State (for your Symposium badge):

Best Phone:

Email:

Home Address:

NOMAS License Number (for registration discount):

California Registered Nurses Number (for registration discount):

Please enter numbers 1 to 3 to indicate your preference for the two Day 4 events:

Reflective Learning (8:00-11:30 a.m.)
1st Choice: 2nd Choice: 3rd Choice:

1 - Medical Perspective moderated by Dr. Peter Bingham and Dr. Suzanne Thoyre, PhD, RN, FAAN.
2 - Developmental Perspective moderated by Mr. John Chappel, M.A., RPT and Ms. Linda Lowman, M.Ed.
3 - Therapeutic Perspective moderated by Ms. Kristy Fuller, OT R/L and Ms. Dawn Jernigan, M.A., CCC-SLP.

Concurrent Sessions (1:00-3:00 p.m.)
1st Choice: 2nd Choice: 3rd Choice:

1 - It's Never Too Late: NOMAS® Refresher Course - Linda Lowman, M.Ed, NOMAS® Course Instructor.
2 - Feeding Preterm and Fragile Infants: Science, myth, misleading research – Kathleen Philbin, PhD., RN.
3 - It's About the Baby not the Protocol: a developmental approach to videofluoroscopy with premature infants – Marjorie Meyer Palmer, MA, CCC-SLP.

Note or questions for Symposium organizer?

3. Registration Payment

Registration Information:

Because of fees assessed by credit card companies, prices are lower if you send a check or money order.

To pay by check, complete the online registration form, above, and send a check separately. Or, use the registration form in the downloadable brochure and send with your payment to:

NOMAS International
1528 Merrill Road
San Juan Bautista CA 95045

By check - current NOMAS license; expired NOMAS license; not licensed:

Full Conference (4 days): NOMAS License: $775   Expired License: $810   No License: $845
Main Conference (3 days): NOMAS License: $625   Expired License: $650   No License: $675
Pre-Conference  (1 day): NOMAS License: $215   Expired License: $225   No License: $235

To Pay By Credit Card (3.5% PayPal fee added):

Full Conference (4 Days):

Licensed ($802)

Expired License ($838)

No License ($874)

Main Conference (3 Days):

Licensed ($646)

Expired License($672)

No License ($698)

Pre-Conference (1 Day):

Licensed ($222)

Expired License($232)

No License ($243)

Cancellation Policy: a written request for a full refund must be received by NOMAS International no later than 21 business days prior to the start of the Symposium. Written requests received after the deadline may result in a 50% refund; No refund will be issued with fewer than 72 hours notice. NOMAS International reserves the right to cancel the event seven days prior to the published start of the event and assumes no responsibility for pre-purchased airline tickets.

4. Click the hotel logo to reserve rooms at the special Symposium rate

The Fifth Annual NOMAS International Symposium will be held at the Holiday Inn Orlando-Lake Buena Vista, located in the Walt Disney World Resort. For those who register by September 20th, a block of rooms has been reserved at the special rate of $119/night for standard; $129/night for pool view; and $139/night for Disney view, plus tax. YOU MUST RESERVE YOUR ROOM BY September 20th to obtain the discount. Based on availability. Please click hotel logo to make your room reservation or phone 877-394-5765. Enter check-in & check-out dates and Group Code "NIS" if registering online.

Three day course offered for 1.80 ASHA CEUs (Advanced Level, Professional Area) and one day for 0.60 CEUs. ASHA Provider #AAYZ.

Three day course offered for 1.80 ASHA CEUs and one day for 0.60 CEUs. ASHA Provider #AAYZ Therapeutic Media is an AOTA Approved Provider of Continuing Education. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

Days 1-4 (inclusive) 24 Contact Hours. Therapeutic Media is a Provider for Continuing Education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 13879.