Aims and Objectives

On successful completion of this course the participant will be able to:

•  Module One

• List the major macro- and micronutrients in breastmilk, their function in the baby and the effect of maternal diet on milk composition.
• Outline the effects artificial feeding has on infants and children.

• Module Two

• Identify communication skills of listening, learning and building confidence.

• Module Three

• Outline the information to be given during antenatal discussions
• Explain what antenatal preparation for breastfeeding is useful and what is not
• Identify the parts of the breast and describe their function.

• Module Four

• List the hormones and their changes necessary for successful lactogenesis II.
• Describe how the actions during labor and birth can support early breastfeeding.
• Explain the importance of early contact for mother and baby
• Explain ways to help initiate early breastfeeding
• List ways to support breastfeeding after a caesarean section

• Module Five

• List the key elements of positioning the baby for comfortable and successful breastfeeding.
• Describe what to look for when assessing a breastfeed.
• Demonstrate how to help a mother position and latch her baby.
• Identify the functional anatomy of the breast.
• Describe how milk is transferred from the mother to the baby.

• Module Six

• Describe effective ways of presenting information to assist learning.
• List six reasons a mother may need to hand express her breastmilk.
• Be competent teaching hand expressing as assessed by the competency tool.
• Describe their role in educating mothers about baby-led breastfeeding, commencing complementary foods and weaning.
• Describe their role in monitoring growth of babies and children.
• List the points to be covered when discussing co-sleeping and bed-sharing with parents.
• Describe what they do to instill self-confidence in a mother.
• Describe the 3 critical warning signs they discuss with mothers that will alert them to make an urgent appointment to see a health care professional.
• Describe how they would teach a mother about the Lactational Amenorrhoea Method of birth control.

• Module Seven
  

• Describe their role in the care of the near-term baby.
• Describe the breastfeeding plan they would develop for the first 4 days for a newborn baby who is not latching and breastfeeding.
• List the signs and symptoms and hypoglycaemia, how to reduce its incidence and the feeding management of the affected infant.
• Describe the onset of physiological jaundice in breastfed babies and the feeding management of the affected infant.
• List 5 detrimental effects of giving artificial infant formula supplements to babies.
• Outline common reasons for excessive crying, effective management strategies and general settling tips they would discuss with parents.
• Outline their role in identifying and managing a baby who is failing to thrive.

• Module Eight

• Describe how to prevent engorgement and treatment strategies should it occur.
• Describe how to prevent nipple damage and treatment strategies should it occur.
• Describe the presentation of mammary candidiasis and treatment strategies.
• Describe how to prevent mastitis and treatment strategies should it occur.
• Describe how breastmilk production is maintained.
• Describe the strategies they would suggest to increase a reduced milk supply.
• List the recommendations regarding breastfeeding for mothers who have diabetes, are obese, have thyroid disease, are HBV, HCV or HIV positive.

• Module Nine

• Define the aim of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and what their responsibilities are under the Code.
• Discuss the effects of the Baby Friendly Initiative on breastfeeding.
• Describe ways they can promote, protect and support breastfeeding in their community.

Course Administration

Assessment

Accreditation

• 18 L CERPs*


• 18 Contact Hours**


• 18 hours of education specific to lactation

Fees and Enrollment

Quality assurance

What our students say

Here are some comments from previous participants:

Patricia: Excellent well designed, evidence based course that I thoroughly enjoyed completing

Jenny: Great course! Some of it was refreshing my knowledge, some of it was new. Good to know I now know the latest.

Anna: I'm pleased that most of my practice was already evidence-based, but what wasn't I'm now working on. Thank you for providing this course.

Kathy: Thanks for a fun update. I learnt a lot.

Susanne: Practices at my workplace are changing since we started doing this course. Keep up the good work.

Ashley: Easy to do, fun and interesting.