Breastfeeding Support Consultants
Center for Lactation Education

Courses 631 to 640
These courses require reading from the most recent editions of the texts below. As these textbooks are updated, the courses will feature the latest editions. Select topic areas which you need to review. You will receive personalized feedback from one of BSC's experienced instructors. Current editions and dates:

• Lauwers, Judith and Swisher, Anna Counseling the Nursing Mother: A Lactation Consultant's Guide, Sudbury, Massachusetts, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2005.
• Lawrence, Ruth: Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, St. Louis, C.V. Mosby, 2005.
• Riordan, Jan. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Sudbury, Massachusetts, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2005.

631 Management of Breastfeeding
You will review the historical aspect of practices that have evolved into modern breastfeeding management. You will learn elements of breastfeeding assessments and documentation, as well as appropriate management strategies. Hospital practices that can interfere with breastfeeding will be viewed from the perspective of making necessary changes. You will study establishment and maintenance of milk production and ways to help the mother identify if she needs to institute measures to increase production. Finally, you will study the various problems that may arise in the early days and weeks of breastfeeding, with an eye toward symptoms, causes, consequences, and treatment. 20 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $220.

632 Mechanics of Breastfeeding
You will examine the anatomy and physiology of lactation, including the role of hormones. You will learn the significance of positioning and latch-on in breastfeeding management, as well as the role of the milk ejection reflex. You will study anatomical issues such as nipple type and other factors that can impact breastmilk production. You will study the manner in which the baby suckles at the breast, as well as what to do for infants who have sucking problems. And you will gain an understanding of milk synthesis and secretion at various levels of lactation. 15 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $170.

633 Special Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants
You will study some of the special circumstances involving both breastfeeding mothers and their infants. This includes learning how to assist mothers of preterm infants and other infants with special needs. You will study the various maternal infectious diseases, as well as chronic conditions in both the infant and mother, and which conditions contraindicate breastfeeding. You will learn how to advise mothers about breastfeeding when either the mother or baby are ill. And, you will address ways to support working mothers, mothers of multiples, and adolescent mothers with breastfeeding management. 20 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $220.

634 Infant Assessment and Behavior
You will gain an understanding of what is required for an infant assessment as well as ways to address various infant conditions. You will study the causes and treatment for low weight gain, failure to thrive, and dehydration in infants. You will learn to distinguish between the four types of jaundice and which type is an issue for breastfeeding. You will identify growth and developmental issues in toddlers. You will study crying, sleep, and weight gain, as well as other developmental factors, behavior, and cues as they relate to breastfeeding. And, you will review the appropriate method of introducing solid foods into the infant's diet and ways to identify food intolerance in infants and assist mother's in finding solutions. 20 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $220.

635 Scientific Aspects of Human Milk
You will study the major components of human milk and the ways in which human milk protects the infant against allergies and diseases. You will address the role of the lactation consultant in counseling mothers about drugs and other contaminants in human milk. And, you will learn the differences between human milk and artificial baby milk, as well as the hazards of feeding babies artificial baby milk rather than human milk. 20 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $220.

636 Breastfeeding Devices and Feeding Alternatives
You will study the various devices used in the lactation field for assisting mothers with breastfeeding. You will learn the appropriate use of breast pumps and other breastfeeding items. You will study the parameters for the use of donor human milk for babies. You will address counseling techniques to use with mothers who wish to induce lactation. And, you will learn how to employ the various alternative feeding methods appropriately. 10 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $110.

637 Communication and Counseling Skills
You will study your role in helping mothers with breastfeeding. You will learn effective counseling and adult learning techniques for use in consultations, including how to assist women in making informed decisions. You will learn how to counsel breastfeeding women on dietary and exercise matters, as well as contraception, as they pertain to lactation. You will learn how to provide appropriate teaching and advice to pregnant and breastfeeding women. You will study parenting and family issues, as well as variations due to culture and economics. You will cover issues from postpartum depression through weaning, and how to counsel mothers in these instances. And, you will address your role with mother-to-mother support groups and referring mothers to them. 20 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $220.

640 IBCLC Ethics and the Law
NEW!! Learn professional responsibilities regarding informed consent. Study the profession’s standards of practice and code of ethics. Review elements of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and its subsequent WHA resolutions. Learn how to minimize exposure to litigation and how to integrate professional ethics into practice. 12 Contact Hours or E-CERPs. Tuition $120.

See also the following topics:

  801 Ethics and Standards of LC Practice

  802 Ethics and Minimizing Exposure to Litigation

Courses 701 to 704
Select topic areas in which you need additional study. You will receive personalized feedback from one of BSC's experienced instructors.

701 Lactation Consultation within the Hospital Setting

In the Lactation Consultation in the Hospital Setting course, you will examine the role of the lactation consultant in the hospital. You will identify treatments for conditions that are frequently encountered, as well as develop a pumping protocol for mothers separated from their infants. You will develop a prenatal breastfeeding class outline as well as a nursing staff inservice outline. You will assess the 10 Steps for the Baby Friendly Initiative. Textbook: Breastfeeding and Human Lactation; Riordan; Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2005. 10 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $110.

703  Breastfeeding Support in the Public Health Sector  

In the Breastfeeding Support in the Public Health Sector course, you will examine the role of the lactation consultant in the public health setting.  You will consider breastfeeding promotion, education and support, as well as identifying barriers to breastfeeding in low income families and in teen-mother families.  You will explore how to evaluate cultural practices and you will consider the benefits of a peer counseling program.  Lastly, you will evaluate breastfeeding services in public health agencies.  Textbook  Breastfeeding and Human Lactation; Riordan; Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2005. 8 Contact Hours or L-CERPs. Tuition $95.    

704  Breastfeeding Support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit