90 hour Lactation Management Course Description

This course is designed for health care professionals who want to improve their lactation skills, or for students who want to become lactation consultants. Taking the entire course meets the lactation training requirement needed for the IBLCE Lactation Consultant exam in 2012 or later.

This course includes eight in-person all day classes (60 hrs) held at the PCC CLIMB Center in Portland, 12 hrs of online distance learning classes, 18 hrs of activities completed outside of class, plus additional homework assignments. This course also has a required text. Online distance learning classes may be attended live, and will also be recorded so that they can be viewed at the student’s convenience, as long as the related assignments are completed by the specified due dates. In addition, live online Question and Answer sessions with the course instructors will be available but not required.

Students must attend 75% of the in-person classes and complete 75% of the assigned activities and homework in order to successfully complete the course. Minimum System Requirements: 20 MB free disk space; Soundcard with speakers, and headset, 28.8 Kbps AND Internet connection.

The topics covered in this 90 hr course include:

  • History of breastfeeding and Public Health Issues
  • Maternal and Infant Anatomy, Physiology, Endocrinology, and Pathology
  • Nutrition and Biochemistry
  • Immunology and Infectious Disease
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology
  • Infant and Child Growth and Development
  • Interpretation of Research
  • Ethical and Legal Issues
  • Breastfeeding Equipment and Technology
  • Communication and Counseling Skills
  • History Taking, Assessment, and Problem-solving Skills
  • Management of Maternal and Infant Breastfeeding Challenges
  • Resources for lactation professionals and for breastfeeding families

Class size is limited, so register early. To enroll, and for specific course dates and times, see the links for each course on the main lactation web page.