Peer-reviewed literature can be overwhelming, and interpreting results can be challenging. This can make skipping to the conclusions section without reading the results and drawing individual conclusions a tempting option. In order to feel confident in determining if evidence should be applied in clinical practice, it is important to determine, for yourself, if a study is drawing the appropriate conclusions and IF they mean anything for the way we practice clinically. In this one-hour session, we are going to develop skills for drawing conclusions from author-reported data, discuss approaches for blending clinical knowledge with new evidence, and explore how to know when evidence is strong enough to mean changes for clinical practice.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a clinical condition characterized by restriction of energy intake, fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, and body dysmorphia. As pregnancy and subsequent lactation are associated with changes in weight and body shape, it is important to consider the implications of a pre-existing or current diagnosis of AN during the postpartum period. The research examining the impact of body changes during pregnancy on individuals with a history of AN has mixed results; some show AN symptoms regress during pregnancy, while other results show a resurgence of AN symptoms. While there is limited evidence of the impact of AN on milk production, milk composition, and breastfeeding experiences of the parent, the evidence that we do have can help guide lactation consultants when providing care for the dyad during the fourth trimester.