BE02 Anatomy & Physiology of the Lactating Breast has been developed for health professionals caring for mothers and children to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the breast during lactation.
This wholly online evidence-based course uses course notes, examples, links to quality educational websites, graphics, a workbook and self-test quizzes to assist the student’s learning. The course is extensively referenced using recent primary research and current texts relevant to the topic.
The course is facilitated via the forum by an experienced online tutor. The forum provides a place where topical issues may be raised, case studies discussed, questions posed and answered, links to additional information provided, and students and the facilitator can interact.

Aim

The aim of this course is for participants to have an accurate understanding of breast anatomy and, in particular, lactation physiology, so that you can base your breastfeeding management advice on sound principles.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to

• describe the development of the female breast from the embryological stage, through puberty to the childbearing years and beyond.
• label major anatomical features of the lactating breast.
• describe the anomalies of breast anatomy that may impact on breastfeeding.
• state the stages of the lactation cycle.
• discuss the endocrine and autocrine phases of lactogenesis.
• tutor your colleagues and/or mothers on how breast capacity impacts breastfeeding frequency.
• describe the anatomical and/or physiological basis of lactation failure.

Prerequisites

• An understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology.  A basic human anatomy and physiology text would be beneficial to your learning.
• An open and enquiring mind!

This area of lactation is receiving a lot of attention from researchers, and we don't have all the answers yet. To support mothers to breastfeed their infants it is important to keep abreast (forgive the pun!) of the latest research, and evaluate its impact on our current management and teachings. It is essential that you read articles published in recent, reputable journals.

Administration:

BE02 Anatomy & Physiology of the Lactating Breast is facilitated by an experienced International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
There is a forum where topical issues may be raised, case studies discussed, questions posed and answered, links to additional information provided, etc.
The course is available as a one month subscription commencing on the day of notification to you of your username and password.
On successful completion your Certificate will be emailed to you in pdf format.

Syllabus

1. Breast Anatomy
   1. Breast development
   2. Breast anatomy
   3. Blood, nerves and lymph
   4. Breast anomalies
2. Lactation Physiology
   1. Lactogenesis I
   2. Lactogenesis II
   3. Lactogenesis III
   4. Involution
   5. Lactation insufficiency

Required Reading Material

All required reading materials available online.

A quality, current lactation text is recommended to augment your studies.

Assessment

Achievement of the learning objectives is assessed by automatically graded, online, multiple-choice questions. A passing grade is 85%.

A Workbook, downloaded from the course, is not required to be submitted, but completion will aid learning and provide an excellent resource.

Accreditation

On successful completion of this course you will be awarded:

• 12 L CERPs*
• 12 Contact Hours (ANCC)**

*IBLCE Approval Number: C26309
**Health e-Learning is an approved provider of continuing education by the Virginia Nurses’ Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. ANCC Approval 07-01-01

Quality Assurance

• Author: Denise Fisher, MMP, BN, IBCLC
• Reviewed by: Cathy Fetherston PhD IBCLC; Trudi Szallasi IBCLC
• Course release date: September 2005.
• Next review date: October 2008

Enrolment and Fees

Enrollments are accepted online, or upon receipt of a faxed or mailed enrollment form (number and address on enrollment form). Click HERE now to go to the Enrollment page where you can enroll online or download and print the Enrollment Form

US$108.00 per course (approx AUS/Can/NZ$115)

Enrollment period is for one month per course, cumulative eg. 3 course enrollments = 3 months access to all 3 courses.