What you'll learn:

The ASU Lactation Education Program meets lactation specific education eligibility criteria for Pathways 1 and 3 required to sit the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) examination. The curriculum aligns with 2018 Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC) competencies and is approved as a lactation management course provided 95 hours of didactic instruction. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the maternal and infant anatomy and physiology as it relates to breastfeeding. Normal and complicated situations are presented. Curriculum is designed using evidence-based best practices. Documentation, consultation strategies, research concepts, and socio-cultural and ethical considerations are included. The course includes 5 hours of communication and counseling as required by IBLCE. Learning is supported with detailed images, case study videos, and interactive learning activities to retain the students' interest, increase retention, and maximize preparation for the IBLCE exam.

Curriculum:

Fundamentals of Human Lactation is presented at a college level ability. Curriculum includes written and illustrated modules, video presentations, video scenarios, interactive learning opportunities, and textbook reading assignments. The program offers quizzes throughout which are modeled after the format of the IBLCE certification examination. Completion of program quizzes do not provide IBLCE certification. See the official IBLCE website for details related to requirements for certification.

The curriculum meets the Clinical Competencies for the Practice of International Board Certification Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).

Fundamentals of Human Lactation

• Module 1: Breastfeeding as a public health initiative
• Module 2: Making milk - the science of milk production
• Module 3: Infant feeding development
• Module 4: Breastfeeding basics
• Module 5: Common situations - part 1
• Module 6: Common situations - part 2

Communication and Counseling for Lactation Consultants

• Module 1: Characteristics of communication and counseling
• Module 2: Application of communication strategies and techniques

Advanced Human Lactation

• Module 1: Advanced breastfeeding and education and complications
• Module 2: Milk production complications
• Module 3: Advanced infant physiology and growth
• Module 4: Special situations and pharmacology
• Module 5: Developing a care plan
• Module 6: Breastfeeding research
• Module 7: Ethical and legal considerations

What you will do:

The curriculum is presented via written and illustrated modules, video presentations, video scenarios, and textbook reading assignments. The program offers interactive learning opportunities and quizzes to help prepare learners for the IBLCE certification examination.

Who is this course designed for:

Those aspiring to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and those eager to add breastfeeding support to their professional practice.

What you will receive:

Once you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate of completion and 95 nursing education contact hours.

Required textbook -

• Lauwers, J. & Swisher, A. (2021). Counseling the nursing mother: A lactation consultant's guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Optional textbooks -

• Hale, T.W. (2019). Hale's medication & mother's milk. Springer Publishing Company.
• Wilson-Clay, B. & Hoover, K. (2017). The breastfeeding atlas (6th ed.). Lactnews Press