Comprehensive Guide to Lactation Resources and Education Programs
Breastfeeding and chestfeeding offer unparalleled benefits for both infants and parents. Recognizing the importance of accessible support and education, numerous organizations and programs have emerged to empower individuals in their lactation journeys. This article explores a range of lactation resources and education programs designed to support aspiring lactation consultants, healthcare professionals, and families.
Education and Training Programs
GOLD Lactation Academy
GOLD Learning stands out as a global continuing education provider, catering to over 20,000 IBCLCs and other breastfeeding/chestfeeding education professionals. Recognizing the need for comprehensive and globally inclusive lactation training, GOLD Lactation Academy offers a 95+ Hour Online Course. This course comprises 15 modules with 80 lessons, addressing the IBLCE Detailed Content Outline and covering essential topics for lactation providers. The academy's mission is to empower learners with flexible, evidence-based training that accommodates diverse learning styles, schedules, professional goals, and budgets. They also boast a 99% passing rate for those who sit for the IBCLC Exam.
Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP)
The Center for Breastfeeding’s Lactation Counselor Training Course is a college-level course designed to provide up-to-date, research-based information and clinical competency validation for the provision of professional lactation care. This 95-hour course is offered online in a self-paced format with videos, self-check questions, weekly office hours and competency verification. After the completion of the course, participants are eligible to take the CLC® examination, administered online by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP).
Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice Course and Certification
This interactive online course provides IBCLCs and CLCs with the opportunity to earn advanced certification in lactation management while verifying the insight, knowledge and skills essential to the development and implementation of management strategies for complex problems related to breastfeeding and human lactation within the context of the nursing dyad’s life. Participants will examine real cases, and develop management strategies using knowledge of psychology, sociology, infant development, gender studies, professional interrelations and ethics. Competency evaluation of cases will occur with interactive evaluations, and through the online ALPP exam.
ASÍ (Ayuda Social para Individuos)
ASÍ is a member organization providing direct service, training, and organizational support in Spanish, focusing on preparedness, response, and recovery from disasters, with services directed to traditionally marginalized communities in Puerto Rico and the diaspora. Their CASICAs (Community Safe Infant Feeding Counselors) are selected from the most needed communities to assist families with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, human milk feeding, and risk reduction with formula and complementary feeding. ASÍ offers two online certifications in Spanish, using intersectional language and intending to provide community-based services with equity as a focal point and with tiered fees based on justice. Their certifications follow the IBLCE blueprint of studies for IBCLC candidates and are stand-alone certifications. They are also a recognized mentorship provider under Pathways 1 and 3 for individuals interested in becoming IBCLCs.
Read also: International Lactation Consultant
The available certifications include:
- IYCFS (Infant and Young Child Feeding Specialist): A 50-hour course (including 5 hours in lactation communication) that equips individuals with basic skills to provide lactation and safe infant feeding counseling and intervention in health and community-based settings.
- CLAAS (Certified Specialist in Advanced Lactation and Safe Infant Feeding): A 95-hour course (including the 50-hour IYCFS course) for advanced specialization in lactation and safe infant feeding.
Baby Café USA (BCUSA)
Baby Cafés form a national network of free, drop-in, licensed breastfeeding support groups staffed by IBCLCs and approved breastfeeding counselors. Open to any pregnant or breastfeeding parent and funded by healthcare and community funds, most Baby Cafés operate for at least 2 hours weekly. These cafes are ideal sites for experiencing breastfeeding parents from pregnancy to weaning at an informal community level. Baby Café USA offers a student-directed BCBC (Baby Café Breastfeeding Counselor) mentoring program that qualifies for the IBLCE-required Pathway 1 clinical hours. The program provides evidence-based information and support and promotes breastfeeding as the biological and cultural norm.
CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)
CAPPA is an international certification organization for Doulas, Childbirth Educators, and Lactation Educators. Since its establishment in 1998, CAPPA has certified thousands of perinatal professionals and is respected for its longevity and commitment to excellence in education and student/member support.
Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI)
Established in 2006 within the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, CGBI serves as a leading public health breastfeeding center. They offer a comprehensive program of research, community service, and education. CGBI also provides free PDFs for use in maternity care and child care settings.
- Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative (MRT-TI): CGBI initiated the MRT-TI in 2009, in cooperation with the UNC Women’s and Children’s Hospital staff. MRT-TI is a CAAHEP-accredited Pathway 2 Training Program within the Maternal and Child Health department at UNC Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health.
- RISE: Lactation Training Model: This grant-funded project provides higher education institutes with training tools to build a self-sustainable Pathway 2 program model, serving communities of color. The project aims to improve the medical lactation workforce and reduce health disparities in these communities. CGBI also offers online training modules for providers, along with in-person technical assistance and training for healthcare professionals.
Global Military Lactation Community
This national nonprofit organization is dedicated to increasing lactation support, education, and advocacy for military families worldwide. Recognizing the diversity of military families, they adopt an equity-based approach to lactation support. The Global Military Lactation Community Chapters offer inclusive, welcoming, culturally sensitive lactation support (both virtually and in person) to U.S. military communities around the world.
Read also: Learning Resources Near You
The Military Lactation Counselor program is a 66.5-hour lactation training leading to certification. Grounded in applying equitable, culturally appropriate lactation support to the unique needs of military families, the course is designed for maximum flexibility, combining pre-recorded modules with practical, community-based assignments and virtual synchronous counseling training. Enrollees have 12 months to complete the course. The training prepares lactation supporters to work with military families and understand TRICARE billing requirements for lactation counseling services in various settings, including Global Military Lactation Community Chapter settings, virtual and in-person support, inpatient/outpatient, WIC, and community-based settings.
Healthy Children Project
Through its Center for Breastfeeding, Healthy Children Project is the largest national provider of lactation management education for health care providers. Its online course format has enabled more than 5,000 health providers, advocates and facilitators to be educated annually. Professional development contact hours are available to Registered Nurses, Certified Lactation Counselors and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants through long-term provider agreements.
Lactation Education Resources (LER)
LER aims to remove barriers to high-quality lactation education, empowering aspiring lactation care professionals from every background to enter and thrive in the field. LER provides full-spectrum training for IBCLCs and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBSs), with lactation training, clinical hours, low-cost health science courses, exam prep, recertification resources, and continuing education all in one place. They also offer online and in-person BFHI training for facilities seeking BFHI accreditation and continuing education for healthcare providers in several fields. LER’s exclusive entry-level credential, the CBS, prepares individuals to support families through pregnancy, breastfeeding initiation, and the normal course of lactation.
La Leche League (LLL) Alliance and USA
La Leche League Alliance has Leaders accredited by La Leche League International in 43 US states. These Leaders help families with prenatal education, breastfeeding information, and ongoing support via phone, text, social media, and video chat. At peer-to-peer support gatherings, such as meetings and cafes, support networks and lifelong friendships can be built. LLL Alliance offers training and ongoing support through continuing education events for La Leche League Leaders and fosters a diverse leadership group through a virtual Leader Accreditation Course.
La Leche League USA helps parents, families, and communities to breastfeed, chestfeed, and human milk feed their babies through parent-to- parent support. LLL USA encourages, informs, educates, supports, and promotes the use of human milk and the intimate relationship and development that comes from nursing a child for as long as mutually desired. La Leche League Leaders are trained and accredited by La Leche League International and provide peer support for all aspects of the normal course of breastfeeding. The training involves learning more about the anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding, refining communication skills, and developing business skills.
Read also: Exploring UMich Human Resources
Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) and Portland State University (PSU)
Two of Oregon’s leading universities, Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) and Portland State University (PSU) have joined forces to train the next generation of public health leaders. This is an academic lactation training program that offers 100 hrs of Lactation Education for all three IBLCE Pathways and also provides 300 hrs of clinical lactation experience through our Pathway 2 Lactation Practicum. Distance learning courses are available.
Lactation Consultant Training Program (LCTP)
LCTP provides all 95+ hours of lactation-specific training needed to qualify for the IBCLC exam. This course includes clinical skills and is taught by 40+ instructors. Upon successful completion of this course, individuals become Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBS).
Undergraduate Lactation Certificate program
Our undergraduate Lactation Certificate program Provides students with advanced practice clinical lactation care for families in a variety of settings.
Resources for Parents and Families
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
CHOP provides resources and support for parents of hospitalized infants, emphasizing the importance of human milk for these babies. Their lactation team helps parents begin pumping milk, even if they had not considered nursing before.
It's Only Natural (ION): Mother’s Love, Mother’s Milk
This resource offers breastfeeding resources specifically designed for African-American women and their families, providing information on the health benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers, along with practical tips.
Supporting Nursing Moms at Work: Employer Solutions
This resource provides materials and videos to help businesses support nursing mothers at work with cost-effective tips and time/space solutions, including information on federal rules and requirements for employers.
Your Guide to Breastfeeding
This easy-to-read publication provides how-to information and support to help women breastfeed, explaining the benefits of breastfeeding and offering expert tips and personal stories.
Governmental and Organizational Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Best Fed Beginnings: This program helps hospitals improve maternity care and become Baby-Friendly designated hospitals.
- Breastfeeding Report Card: This report shows how breastfeeding is protected, promoted, and supported in each state, enabling comparisons and driving nationwide improvements.
- The CDC Guide to Strategies to Support Breastfeeding Mothers and Babies: This guide offers breastfeeding intervention strategies for states and local communities, including worksite programs, breastfeeding information, and peer support programs.
- Healthy People 2020: Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Objectives: These ten-year national objectives aim to improve the health of Americans, including increasing breastfeeding rates and duration.
Additional Considerations
Career Opportunities and Mentorship
JUMPSTART A CAREERWith 300 hours of mentorship with experts in the field, you will build skills and connections that will help you land a new job in this emerging field.FLEXIBLE EDUCATIONWe offer the 100 hours of required IBLCE education in a live distance learning or recorded course format.Career OpportunitiesWe offer a competitive practicum, summer orientation and hands on experience in hospital and clinical settings around the country.EXAM PREPERATIONThe Certificate of Human Lactation grants you the ability to apply to take the IBCLC exam.
Medical complexities
Breastfeeding dyads with medical complexity have lower success with direct breastfeeding. Evidence to support occupational therapists working with this population is limited.
Lactation anaphylaxis
Lactation anaphylaxis (LA) is a rare, life-threatening condition which causes an allergic reaction during lactation in response to the let down reflex.
Infant feeding guidelines
Infant feeding guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to support optimal infant health, growth, and development, and exploring adherence to guidelines is a useful way of assessing diet quality.
tags: #lactation #resources #and #education #programs
