BE02: Anatomy and Physiology of the Breast and Lactation

CERPs: 12 L CERPs / 12 Lactation Specific Hours / 12 CHs (continuing education credit)
Cost: US$119
Access Time: 1 month (starting from time of purchase)
Enrolling in more than 1 course? Time is cumulative ie buy 2 courses, have 2 months access to both courses
Synopsis: This course 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.
Tutor: Sue Cox, RN IBCLC AM
Enrol now: http://health-e-learning.com/enroll

For detailed course information, click on "Read More"

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

In commencing a study on which to base practice an understanding of normal growth, development and function of the breast is vital, so that the abnormal can be recognized and strategies can be developed. The aim of this course is for participants to acquire a high level of understanding of breast anatomy and 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

  • list the stages and hormones involved in the development of the female breast from the embryological stage, through puberty to the childbearing years and beyond.
  • label the components of a lactocyte and describe their function, including the 5 pathways described for milk synthesis.
  • describe the ductal and glandular systems in terms of distribution, arrangement and number of milk ducts.
  • discuss the significance of the areola and nipple to breastfeeding.
  • articulate the series of events that occur when the milk ejection reflex is elicited.
  • list the arterial supply to, and lymphatic drainage from the breast.
  • tutor colleagues and/or mothers on how breast capacity impacts breastfeeding frequency.
  • recognize anomalies of breast anatomy that may impact on breastfeeding.
  • describe secretory differentiation in terms of onset and hormonal control.
  • describe secretory activation in terms of onset and completion, hormonal control and the changes in breastmilk components.
  • list the two processes that control maintenance of lactation.
  • 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.
The average time taken to complete this course and the assessment is 12 hours.
On successful completion your Certificate will be available to you in .pdf format from the course website.

Syllabus

  1. Breast Anatomy
    1. Mammogenesis
    2. Functional anatomy
    3. Supportive anatomy
    4. Breast anomalies
  2. Lactation Physiology
    1. Secretory differentiation (Lactogenesis I)
    2. Secretory activation (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

  • Principal author: Denise Fisher, MMP, BN, IBCLC; Co-author: Suzanne Cox, BMid, IBCLC, AM
  • Original course reviewed by: Cathy Fetherston PhD IBCLC; Trudi Szallasi IBCLC
  • Course release date: January 2010
  • Updated as new information becomes available. Reviewed annually.

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.

US$119.00 per course

Enrollment period is for one month per course, which is cumulative when you enroll into more than one course; eg. enroll into 4 BreastEd courses and have access to all 4 courses for 4 months.