Presentations & Talks

Nekisha Killings, MPH, IBCLC is known as the “Aha! Moment Maven” for her remarkable talent in transforming complex concepts into enlightening, “eureka!” experiences for her audiences. A highly sought-after facilitator, speaker, and coach, Nekisha has led equity education across diverse sectors for over 20 years. She draws on her wide-ranging professional and personal experiences, paired with an innate warmth and empathy, to inspire healthcare professionals, employees, and volunteers to bring intentionality to their work and communities. Her featured lectures for prestigious audiences, including the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, The National WIC Association, and the International Lactation Consultants Association have reached and resonated with thousands, leaving a lasting impact on her audience.

NEW Offerings for 2025

Bridging Continents for Maternal Health Equity: Collaborative Solutions for Global Disparities

Across continents, maternal health disparities among Black and racialized minority communities reveal a troubling trend that transcends borders. Despite differing historical contexts, many countries share similar challenges in maternal health outcomes, underscoring the need for a united, global approach. This presentation by Nekisha Killings, MPH, IBCLC—a leading perinatal equity strategist—explores how intentional, inter-continental collaboration can drive meaningful change in addressing these disparities. Through insights on shared strategies, cross-border initiatives, and the power of collectivism, attendees will gain a framework for implementing collaborative, actionable solutions to close gaps and reshape the future of maternal health equity. This session is essential for professionals invested in global health, equity, and sustainable impact.

We Cannot Let DEI DIE: Advocating for Lactation Equity Serves Us All

Over the past decade, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have faced increasing resistance, with public narratives often painting a skewed picture of what equity truly entails. From the widespread criticism surrounding CRT to proposed legislation banning DEI mandates in healthcare and educational institutions, DEI efforts have been met with unprecedented scrutiny. In the field of lactation, this backlash has resulted in a significant decrease in equity-driven conversations, especially in government and academic settings. In this thought-provoking session, Nekisha Killings, MPH, IBCLC, will trace the evolution of DEI in healthcare, examining how and why these initiatives have come under fire. She will then illuminate actionable strategies for lactation professionals committed to practicing inclusive, equitable care in today’s challenging landscape. Essential for advocates and practitioners alike, this talk champions the idea that advocating for the underserved ultimately strengthens the field and benefits all.

From Code to Compassion: Harnessing the Power of AI for Good in Birthing and Breastfeeding

Explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in supporting birthing and breastfeeding care within humanitarian settings. This presentation delves into how AI can bridge gaps in maternal and child health by providing real-time, culturally sensitive support to families and healthcare providers, even in resource-limited environments. With a focus on the art of crafting prompts, we’ll demonstrate how AI can deliver not only accurate but also respectful and culturally aware guidance in areas like infant feeding and birth work. Learn practical strategies for leveraging AI to support those on the frontlines and ensure that new technologies amplify—not overlook—the voices and needs of diverse communities. Perfect for health professionals, humanitarians, and tech innovators alike, this session combines real-world examples and actionable insights to make AI a compassionate tool in advancing global health equity.

The Historical, Psychosocial, and Cultural Context of Breastfeeding in the African-American Community

Breastfeeding decisions are shaped by a web of complex influences, including cultural beliefs and historical legacies. For Black birthing individuals, the decision to breastfeed carries layers of meaning, shaped by ancestral histories and the lasting impacts of oppression. This session, based on the landmark paper by the same name authored by Clare, Greene & Killings (2021) delves into how the trauma and dehumanization of enslavement disrupted breastfeeding traditions within Black communities, complicating the emotional bonds typically fostered through this intimate practice. By examining the evolution of breastfeeding ideologies and practices over time, participants will gain insight into how cultural, historical, and psychosocial factors continue to shape breastfeeding experiences and attitudes within the African-American community.

Older High-Demand Topics

BreastSide Manner® for Lactation Professionals

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, warm and empathic bedside manner is often overlooked, yet it’s essential for building trust and effective communication in provider-patient interactions. This presentation offers lactation support providers the tools to cultivate intentional, compassionate care that honors each patient's unique needs and cultural context. By exploring factors such as attitude, cultural sensitivity, language nuances, and overcoming common barriers to connection, attendees will learn strategies to foster a genuine line of trust and respect with those they serve. This talk is an opportunity to restore the lost art of empathetic engagement, ensuring that every patient feels seen, respected, and supported in their lactation journey.

What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You and Your Patients: The Role of Implicit Bias in Birth and Breastfeeding Support

In every interaction, the lens of implicit bias shapes how we perceive and respond to others, impacting the quality of care provided in birth and breastfeeding support. These biases, often subconscious, are colored by personal experiences, societal influences, and systemic structures, affecting even the most well-intentioned providers. In this eye-opening session, participants will learn practical strategies for identifying and dismantling implicit biases, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive approach to care. By embracing tools for self-awareness and cultural humility, birth and breastfeeding professionals can create a safer, more supportive environment that honors each patient's unique background and needs.

Normalize Brown Breasts®: A Primer for Breast Assessment in Non-White Skin Tones

Traditional breast assessment methods can fall short when it comes to identifying key indicators of conditions like mastitis, vasospasm, or eczema in patients with darker skin tones. Common symptoms, such as redness or discoloration, present differently on melanated skin, leading to potential misdiagnoses or overlooked concerns. In this enlightening session, Nekisha Killings introduces insights from her groundbreaking resource, The Melanated Mammary Atlas®, empowering clinicians to refine their assessment skills and recognize diverse presentations of common conditions. Join this talk to enhance your diagnostic accuracy, broaden your knowledge, and improve the inclusivity and impact of your patient care.

Approaching Care When You’re Barely There: Reimagining Empathy for the Care Professional

Lactation professionals are deeply dedicated to supporting families, but the emotional, physical, and mental demands of the work—especially during a pandemic—have left many experiencing compassion fatigue. This state of exhaustion not only affects personal well-being but also hampers the ability to deliver truly empathetic care. In this insightful presentation, healthcare providers will learn to recognize the signs of compassion fatigue and utilize tools for self-assessment. Through an exploration of natural empathetic models, participants will gain strategies to protect their own health and cultivate a more genuine, sustainable approach to care that moves beyond patriarchal norms. This session offers a path to renewed resilience, empowering practitioners to care for both themselves and their patients more effectively.