Certified Lactation Specialist Course

The Certified Lactation Specialist Course is designed for the aspiring lactation consultant or nurses, physicians, midwives, dieticians, breastfeeding assistants or others desirous of improving their knowledge base and skills in working with the breastfeeding dyad. All areas included on the IBLCE exam are addressed. The 5 day course provides the needed number of continuing education in lactation to qualify to sit for the IBLCE exam.

Day One
History of Breastfeeding: Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
Promotion of breastfeeding, teaching classes and addressing myths
Normal and abnormal development of the breast
Composition of human milk and lactation physiology
Maternal and infant assessment
Latch-on and positioning, assessment of a feeding
Normal breastfeeding and Documentation
Teaching classes
Becoming an CLS and IBCLC

Day Two
Effective counseling techniques
Hospital routines' impact on breastfeeding
Evaluation of lay literature
Pathology associated with breastfeeding
Principles of sustaining lactation during employment
Contraception, parenting, co-sleeping
Research

Day Three
Alternative feeding methods, principles of supplementation
Breastfeeding the preterm and/or special needs infant
Pharmacology/toxicology
Maternal psychological issues/sexual abuse
Essential elements in a lactation history

Day Four
Special needs mothers/adolescents
Risk of infant formulas
Infant and maternal health conditions
Standards of lactation consultant practice/ethics
Impact of infant growth and development on breastfeeding
Insufficient milk supply and failure to thrive
Interactive Consultations

Day Five
Cultural concerns
Fussy Baby
Second night and parenting
Working in different venues
Slide review
Facilitating change and preventing burnout
End of Course Exam and review

Certification as a lactation specialist is achieved through attendance at the entire course, completion of assigned homework and readings during the course, and passing the of the end of course exam on the last day.

This certification is a stepping stone to the IBCLC credential. It is hoped that those who attend this course ultimately go on to become board certified, although that is not a requirement. During this very practical course, participants will be taught how to use appropriate counseling skills, how to teach mothers and families, and most importantly, how to function hands-on as a clinician.